TOON WERE LUCKY TO GET BRUCE SAYS JORD

JORDAN PICKFORD says he knew Steve Bruce would be a hit at Newcastle.

The England and Everton goalkeeper goes up against his former Sunderland boss today when the Toffees travel to St James’ Park.

Pickford, 25, was in the Black Cats youth team when Bruce was in charge at the Stadium of Light.

But although Bruce’s appointment as Rafa Benitez’s replacement in the summer was met with anger from many Toon fans, Pickford (above) says he knew the Geordie would prove them wrong. And after a bumpy start Newcastle are 10th, three points ahead of Everton.

Pickford said: “They’re doing alright. Steve Bruce was getting a lot of pelters but I had him at Sunderland and knew what a top bloke and top manager he was.”

Pickford is getting to grips with a new manager after Carlo Ancelotti kicked off his Everton career with a win over Burnley on Boxing Day. Ancelotti is the fourth manager the England keeper has worked with at Goodison Park despite joining the club as recently as summer 2017.

“It was brilliant to get the three points with the new manager coming in,” said Pickford. “We’ve been on a good run. The manager was saying before Burnley that we want to be playing football but that we also had to show character and fight.

“It’s all about attitude.” After today, the Blues face a New Year’s Day clash with Manchester City before a Merseyside derby against Liverpool in the FA Cup a week tomorrow.

“It’s all about momentum now,” added Pickford. “We go to Newcastle and there’s another three points that need to be picked up.”