Bruce ‘cannot afford’ to let Longstaff go

STEVE Bruce ‘cannot afford’ to sanction a loan deal for Matty Longstaff in January due to ongoing coronavirus ‘situation.’

That is the view of former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who believes the recent spate of positive Covid tests will have cast doubt over Newcastle United’s plans for the next transfer window.

Longstaff recently signed a two-year deal on Tyneside but has been restricted to just one appearance so far this season after spending time on the sidelines through injury.

Weekend reports claimed former Magpie boss Steve McClaren has identified the 20-year-old as a potential loan target for Derby County next month.

Robinson believes the younger Longstaff brother would benefit from a period of regular first-team football in the Championship.

However, he does not believe Bruce is in a position to sanction any exits with a squad already ravaged by injuries and recent positive tests.

The former England goalkeeper said: “He has not been playing, he has barely sniff at all but now is his chance.

“Steve Bruce cannot afford to let any of his squad go with the current coronavirus situation.

“The positive tests may have thrown the January transfer plans into chaos.

“Players who could have left may now be told they have to stay.

“If he was allowed to leave on loan it would be similar to Troy Parrott.

“Get out to a top Championship club, get playing and show people what you can do. I think he would come back a better player if that happened.”