SAINT CAN SAVE ME, SAYS BRUCE

STEVE BRUCE is entering a week that will determine his future as Newcastle boss, praying that Allan Saint-Maximin can save his job. There has been talk of the head coach having seven days to prove he can end an 11-match winless run — including six straight defeats — or risk being sacked. Sportsmail understands Mike Ashley has been in Dubai of late and sources close to the owner insist no definitive timeframe has been placed on Bruce. But the head coach admits he is not ‘bulletproof’ and it is impossible to see him surviving another three losses in the next week, , with today’s trip to Everton followed by the visits of Crystal Palace and Southampton. Ashley dispatched hed lieutenants Justin Barnes and Keith Bishop to St James’ Park on Tuesday night to watch the 2-1 defeat by Leeds. It is understood they were encouraged by the second-half performance in which recent Covid-absentee Saint-Maximin (below) came off the bench. And Bruce is pinning his hopes on the return of the French winger, saying: ‘Yes, there’s a lot on his shoulders but that’s the way it’s been since he walked through the door. ‘We have seen it for 18 months — we look a different outfit when he’s on the pitch. So the big difference for me is the introduction of Allan. He gives us an attacking threat.’ Bruce says he has been given no assurances of his position being safe. ‘I wouldn’t expect to be bulletproof. We’re judged on results.’ Meanwhile, Joelinton faces internal disciplinary action after breaching Covid-19 protocols to get a haircut. The £40million striker posted a picture on Instagram but later removed it when the club were alerted. TV: Everton v Newcastle, 12.30pm, on BT Sport 1.