Newcastle United could KEEP Matty Longstaff despite loan interest in the midfielder

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Matty Longstaff of Newcastle United scores his team's second goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Newcastle United and AS Saint - Etienne at St. James Park on August 03, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce is still unsure whether to keep youngster Matty Longstaff at St James’s Park for at least the first half of the 2019/20 Premier League season.

The younger of the Longstaff brothers have been one of the break out successes of pre-season at United – with his 25-yard cracker against St-Etienne on Saturday underlining the 19-year-old’s talent.

And while Bruce understands a loan to the Football League or the Scottish Premiership, like brother Sean Longstaff, would be beneficial for the player’s development, the United boss also thinks more time among a top flight squad could also aid his progress despite some interest in the player.

“Well I am delighted for him,” Bruce said of the player’s rise this summer.

“Since I came in and joined the group in China, I kept saying 'who is this little ginger one in the middle?’

“He is just full of enthusiasm, full of life. He plays the game with a smile on his face as only a local Geordie can. He has been absolutely terrific.

“To score like that, I am sure his mam and dad will be mighty proud of him.”

Bruce continued: “I think he could be a one of them. With all young players they want to go out and play for their development. However, I think playing with better players, playing with the first-team every day, as he has done for the last two or three weeks, could see him improve.”