BOXED-IN DAY

Toon boss admits he’s up against it after Brentford woe.. but says: I have been here before

STEVE BRUCE has vowed to fight on as Newcastle boss but admitted to angry Toon fans that progress has been “slow”.

Bruce insists he won’t shy away from the criticism flooding his way after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford (right), as some fans demand he leaves.

Former Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe, still close to star striker Callum Wilson, is available and would represent a viable English alternative if owner Mike Ashley wants to make a change.

Veteran coach Bruce has had a nightmare week, with the defeat at Brentford following on from a thrashing at Leeds and failing to beat ten-man Fulham.

He has been asked some searching questions over whether he is the man for the job, with many fans fed up with the current style of play.

Asked if his plan was good enough, he said: “Since I walked through the door the first thing I have tried to do is take the club forward. That is my job. I am a Newcastle fan like everyone knows. But it is slow.

“After losing to Brentford I have to accept there are people who will say there has been no progress.

I would beg to differ, but I am never going to shy from people who have opinions.

“Now when you are up against it a bit you have to batten down the hatches and firmly believe in what you are doing. You go to work and get ready and get the squad and team as good as you can get them.

“There is no disputing we have had a poor week and I am as disappointed as anyone else.”

The fixture list has not been

kind to Newcastle, with a trip to Manchester City, and Liverpool and Leicester up next.

Asked if he could turn around a brewing crisis, Bruce replied: “I have been up against it before.

“We would like to be a bit higher in the league, but certainly when you are up against it, and it is my turn, and you manage Newcastle, you have to deal with the consequences of what is coming your way.

“I have been around the block a bit and been in difficult situations before but one thing I don’t do is shy away from it.” Bruce is hoping for the return of Federico Fernandez and in the next fortnight Jamaal Lascelles, to beef up his defence.

He added: “The players have been here a long t ime a nd know what is required. We are disappointed but what better place to get ready for?”

MAN CITY: Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko, Rodri, Gundogan, Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling, Torres NEWCASTLE: Darlow, Krafth, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron, Joelinton, Wilson

Andre Marriner