FRIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW

‘Late but great... Al’s a nightmare!’

As Newcastle players vowed to fight through fan chants against their boss – pledging to “grind” on rather than “crumble” – Bruce reckons French ace Saint-maximin is key to the Toon grabbing a first win of the campaign, at Watford next weekend.

Last season the talented winger lasted 90 minutes only a handful of times.

But this term he has already completed five full games – scoring twice and creating two goals.

Bruce has repeated his desire to battle on despite some fans again calling for his head during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds.

The character Bruce’s players showed to recover from a chaotic first halfhour after going a goal down, and then in a second half when they were on top, suggested his position is safe.

None of them downed tools – despite claims of friction behind the scenes.

And there is a strong doubt whether owner Mike Ashley would even want the hassle and expense of changing managers in any case.

Bruce is managing Saint-maximin carefully – and reaping the rewards.

The Toon boss said: “There is no doubt he is improving. When he plays like he did against Leeds, yes, maybe he could slide a pass in, here and there.

“And he drives us mad with his time-keeping.

“But people want to watch him.

“His natural ability is scary, his pace and power really is a defender’s nightmare.”

With Callum Wilson out injured, the poacher from Paris has been playing down the middle and it is “something he enjoys,” added Bruce. “He can go either way, and that helps him.”

Saint-maximin has declared that he “really loves” Bruce and the player added: “You have good times and bad.

“But we’re together and will stay together. I will do my best for him.”

The former Nice raider insists he is getting stronger and pointed out: “I am happy, because the most important thing is to play. Five games, five starts, five 90-minute games.

“I want to keep going and if I am on the pitch more I can help my team.

“The players gave everything. Leeds is a great team. They are tough and we showed quality. Everyone was brave.

“We have to do everything for the win against Watford next week.”

Keeper Karl Darlow said: “We have shown grit when we could have crumbled.

“We put our bodies on the line to grind through a difficult period.”

Bruce believes he still has the Newcastle players’ backing.

He said: “When you’re analysing, the players have given everything they could and that’s all you can ask in my position.

“The response from our team was terrific.

“It’s been a difficult start, there’s no disputing that but if we keep playing the way we did there, then I’m convinced we’ll be OK.”

He drives us mad with his time-keeping but his natural ability, pace and power is scary... he’s a nightmare for defenders