Time running out to be ready for restart

NEWCASTLE United midfielder Sean Longstaff faces a race against time to prove fitness and earn a place for the Premier League encounter with Sheffield United.

The Magpies are heading into their final preparations to resume the campaign they were forced to abandon back in March.

Former Blackpool loanee Longstaff, who has a knock, sat out of the 3-2 win over Boro with his younger brother Matty, who also has a slight strain, with Steve Bruce assessing his midfield options for the Blades game at St James’ Park.

Nabil Bentaleb, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden are leading the race for midfield slots for the return of top-flight action.

Yet Bruce knows he will have to box cleverly in the next fortnight, with three high-octane matches on Tyneside against Sheff United, Aston Villa and Man City in the FA Cup to come. United will be able to use five substitutes in matches thanks to a FIFA law change for the remainder of the season, though.

Matty Longstaff’s situation is an interesting one for fans as his contract is due to run out on June 30 and he is yet to sign even a short-term extension.

There are also question marks over the match fitness levels of Andy Carroll, Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle.

Paul Dummett did get minutes under his belt in an in-house squad game last weekend but is waiting to hear from this week’s Premier League meeting on whether squads can be extended.

Dummett said to NUFC TV: “I’ve spoken to the manager about the squad situation as well.

“He’s hopeful, and the club are hopeful, that the rules will be relaxed and changed.

“Whether we can add extra players...we’ll have to see what happens, but hopefully the Premier League will change the rules.”