It’s best we have played in long time

STEVE Bruce had high praise for his Newcastle United side – despite a 3-1 home defeat against Spurs.

The Magpies managed 22 goal attempts against Jose Mourinho’s Europa League chasers but emerged with nothing as they slumped to their third defeat in a row.

United are now in danger of picking up fewer points than last season unless they beat either Brighton or Liverpool.

Bruce said: “It’s the best we’ve played in a long time.

“They were excellent. “Realistically we were safe months ago so the challenge has been can we finish as best as we can?

“Their attitude and application was excellent today and you don’t always get what you deserve.

“We were naive after we equalised and we gave Harry Kane too much room. You know it’s a goal and that’s the difference, that quality at the top of the pitch.”

Bruce confirmed two fresh injuries for his side after the game.

He said: “Fabian Schar looks like he has dislocated his shoulder and Allan Saint-Maximin has a calf - we’ll have to see on him but we are down to the bare bones.

“We were already missing seven. It’s about getting a few back for the start of next season now.”

Newcastle are now facing a centre-back crisis for their final two matches of the season.

Both Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles have been ruled out for the remainder of term, while Ciaran Clark is also still recovering from an injury suffered pre-lockdown.

Lascelles has undergone surgery on his ankle while Schar headed straight for hospital with a dislocated shoulder after last night’s game.

Steve Bruce could have Florian Lejuene back for Brighton but may be forced to field Emil Krafth in the middle against the Seagulls.

Bruce said: “With turnaround being quick we have to look forward to next season.

“We are down the bare bones, we have had eight or nine people missing.”

Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden - who can play centreback - are also out with soft tissue injuries.