Allan holds key to job safety for Bruce
STEVE BRUCE says Allan Saint-Maximin is key to saving his job.
Newcastle have lost their past six games and have not won in 11 before today’s trip to high-flying Everton.
Manager Bruce blamed “illness and injury” but said he was “not bulletproof”.
Saint-Maximin has made two substitute appearances after eight weeks out because of Covid-19. Bruce said: “There is a lot on his shoulders.
“We look a different outfit with him in it. We are not alone in losing our best players. One makes a difference. Take
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Van Dijk out of Liverpool or Zaha from Palace.” Bruce is facing up to a crunch period. He said: “I would not expect to be bulletproof. “We are judged on results and ours are not good enough.” Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti will not lose trust in Jordan Pickford, despite the keeper making another mistake in the midweek 1-1 draw with Leicester. Ancelotti said: “He is still young. It is important to show the desire to improve. And he will improve.”