BRUCE GOES TO TOON ON HIS CRITICS

NEWCASTLE manager Steve Bruce says he will not be a puppet for beleaguered Toon owner Mike Ashley.

Bruce arrived in China to meet his squad on Thursday but must assume a watching brief because the terms of his 72-hour visa prevent him from working.

But the 58-year-old quickly got on the front foot by declaring he will have the final say on the transfer policy at St James’ Park and will not play the role of Ashley’s stooge.

Bruce said: “There have been a couple of things said and the big one is whether I am going to sit here and be a puppet. That won’t happen – I am in charge of transfers.

“To say I won’t be in charge of recruitment has insulted me. Let me tell you, if I thought The 46-year-old, bidding to become the third oldest Major winner in history, is one shot off the lead alongside Tommy Fleetwood, with compatriot Justin Rose one stroke further back. No current player has played in more Majors without a win than Westwood but, with girlfriend Helen Storey on his bag, he has earned himself a surprise title tilt. “The Open is a great championship and one that everyone wants to win including me,” said Westwood after firing a secondround 67. “I’ve come close a few times so I’ve got the experience. I enjoy playing this course and I’m looking forward to the weekend.” With Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson among those missing the cut, Rose is the only Major champion in the top seven while Fleetwood, above, sees this as a golden opportunity