THE MOST IMPORTANT TYNE OF MY CAREER

Bruce eyes cup glory and happy Xmas

St James’ Park: 8pm

STEVE BRUCE admits he is entering the most important spell of his Newcastle United reign.

The Magpies boss says victory against Fulham tonight and Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, to claim a first cup semifinal for 15 years, will put the club right on course for a good season.

Despite another fan backlash against him after Wednesday’s 5-2 defeat at Leeds ( below), Bruce says he is on track to meet his targets in a vital period.

He insists his players running through brick walls for him, even though they were flagging in the last 15 minutes at Elland Road.

And putting a positive spin on their up- anddown season Bruce said:

“Two huge, huge games.

“Can we get 20 points by Christmas and get to the semi-final in the cup? are

All to play for! Is this my most important week? Yes possibly.

“We looked at this opportunity and thought, ‘ Could get to 20 points by Christmas?’ Usually everyone goes into Christmas thinking 20, and you are delighted.

“We would love to be in that position. I understand from being here how fans want progress in the cups – it is 15 years since the club has reached a semi-final.

“This is a great opportunity. Let’s hope we can grasp it.

“At the moment you can’t prioritise. I just want to win both.

“It is making sure the squad is fit and healthy and then ready to go again on Tuesday.”

Newcastle are still missing five players through injury and the after effects of coronavirus, with two players still not fully over the virus. And Bruce spelled out his worries regarding the long-term damage that Covid could have on footballers, as he revealed the symptoms that his players have suffered.

Bruce added: “We’ve had people vomiting, with sores, mouth ulcers, no smell, no taste.

“But the big thing, of course, and the worrying thing, is the welfare of one or two of them. It’s not great at all.

“That long- term Covid is something which you wouldn’t think possible in young, fit, athletes. Unfortunately, it is so.

“I will be governed by the doctors, but the most worrying element is fatigue.”

Newcastle don’t expect to be busy in the January transfer window, however. He said: “I’ll be like most other managers at most other clubs, where I think it’ll be very, very quiet.

“I could arguably see it being the quietest it’s ever been because of the problems that everybody is having and the difficulties they are having to live through.”