Joe Willock reveals his message to Steve Bruce at Newcastle United

Willock returned to the starting XI for Friday night’s game against Leicester City at the King Power Stadioum – and the midfielder scored for the fourth successive game as Bruce’s side won 4-2.

"I've come off the bench a few times and scored,” said the 21-year-old, signed on loan from Arsenal. “So I was knocking on the door – and I told the manager I needed to start. He believed in me, put me in, and, hopefully, I repaid him."

Bruce was asked after the game if Willock’s blistering form would making it more difficult to sign him next season.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” said head coach Bruce. “He’s done great, the kid. He’s something we did’t have enough of. He has a knack of scoring a goal. He’s always managed to score a goal.”