Bruce: My Wembley heartbreak

STEVE BRUCE is dreaming of a return to Wembley with Newcastle – 43 years after his first trip there with the Toon.

Bruce was a ballboy at the 1976 League Cup final against Manchester City and still has nightmares about Dennis Tueart’s winner that denied his hometown club.

Bruce, 58, is hoping for happier memories from his first cup-tie as Newcastle boss against Leicester tonight. But with Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Jamaal Lascelles, Christian Atsu and Fabrian Schar all injury doubts, Bruce will be relying on some of his fringe players.

“I was on the halfway line sitting on a little stool – heartbreaking,” he said. “I was picked out, six of us from Newcastle Boys, six from Manchester Boys. It was a long trip home.”

Matty Longstaff could replace big brother Sean, who may be rested after his hard work at Tottenham. “His brother’s running stats on Sunday were enormous,” Bruce added. “I’ll remind Matty of that.”