Isaac Hayden has a theory about Newcastle United under Steve Bruce

That’s the view of Isaac Hayden ahead of Thursday night’s game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Bruce’s side came from behind to draw 2-2 with Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday – and the club has three more points than it did a year ago.

One criticism of United under Bruce earlier in the season, as the club’s head coach tried different systems, was that it didn’t have an identity.

But Hayden said: “I think an identity is starting to form now. Every club wants to have an identity, but it’s not always easy. The difficulty, especially at this club, is that when you lose key players, it’s difficult to get the continuity. You’re replacing those players with young, unproven players, and it’s difficult.”

Newcastle signed Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, both new to English football, in the summer, and lost the experienced Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon.

“Jo and Allan, it’s their first season in English football – and that’s hard,” said midfielder Hayden. “They’ve got a lot of pressure on their shoulders, but people have to understand they’re not Rondon, who’s played in the league for years, or Perez, who has got massive amounts of experience too.

“You have to be a bit patient with them, but you can see they’re trying and they’re willing – and that’s the most important thing.”

Hayden feels that supporters are “responding” to what they are seeing on the pitch.

“I think the crowd are responding to what we’re trying to do – I think that’s important,” said the 24-year-old. “At the end of the day, they’re paying to watch good football – and a team that tries.

“If you’re not running around, putting the effort in and putting in tackles, you’re not going to get a positive reaction. That’s the very least fans should expect, and it’s not just Newcastle – I think it’s what every fan wants.

“If you’re seeing a team that’s just strolling around and not trying to win a game or get forward, then you’re not going to get the reaction you want.”