Newcastle manager gives update on Longstaffs
Steve Bruce is sweating on the fitness of the Longstaff brothers for the Premier League restart.
Sean and Matty Longstaff sat out a 2-0 friendly win over Hull City at St James’s Park over the weekend.
Florian Lejeune and Allan Saint-Maximin were on target for Newcastle United ahead of a home behind-closed-doors game against Sheffield United a week today.
“It’s always nice to win,” said Bruce.
“It was a typical friendly behind closed doors. We’ve had a decent week. The good things that everybody’s come through it OK. We’ve picked up one or two in the week, you know the two Longstaff brothers in particular, but they’ll hopefully be joining us on Monday or Tuesday.”
Newcastle are yet to agree a new deal with Matty, whose contract runs out at the end of the month.
And there are fears that the 20-year-old – who is wanted by Italian club Udinese – has already played his last game for the club.
Bruce’s side will resume their Premier League campaign with a behind-closeddoors home game against Sheffield United following a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s a crying shame that fans can't be here, but it’s the second best thing being able to cheer them on on the TV or laptop,” Bruce told NUFC TV.
“When you see an empty St James's, it’s hardly recognisable from game day, but it’s the same for everyone. The supporters make Newcastle United. There’re people who want to work hard all week to buy their ticket and sit in the stand and shout on their team. There’s no greater place than Newcastle for that.”