Leicester City boost, praise for Steve Bruce plus verdict on Celtic man: Newcastle United news

Defender Jonny Evans has been passed fit to play after a scan revealed he had not suffered a tear in his foot.

Striker Jamie Vardy also picked up a knock on his ankle during Leicester’s 1-1 draw with Southampton last time out, yet Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers says the forward will be available.

Jonny will be fine,” said Rodgers in his pre-match press conference. “He had a scan on it the other day, and it's come through and there’s no tear, which is good news.

“It was something that was provoked during the game. There was a little bit of soreness afterwards, but he should be fine for Friday.”

“Everyone is virtually okay from the last game,” Rodgers added. “We’ve had a couple of niggles, Jamie had a challenge on him that made his ankle swell up. He’ll be fine."

Praise for Steve Bruce

Back at Newcastle, former Magpies defender Steve Howey has claimed Steve Bruce has a good relationship with his players.

Speaking to Football Fancast, Howey said: “It seems as though Steve has got a relationship with players where he can talk to them and he can say to them, if you want to play, then I’ll start you, but you have to be honest because you don’t want players going out their half-hearted.

“I think that’s what he has to do with (Allan) Saint-Maximin and also with someone like Callum Wilson.”

Celtic man won’t inspire Newcastle fans says Robinson

Newcastle have been heavily linked with Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, yet former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson doesn’t believe supporters will be inspired by the move.

“There will be a few clubs watching Ajer," Robinson told Football Insider.

“I do not think he has set the world alight up at Celtic this season. It is not a bad signing and you could probably get him at a decent price but Newcastle fans will not be inspired by that.

“Recruitment is going to be extremely important for Steve Bruce this summer as will having a fully fit squad at the start of pre-season. That would be a massive boost after the injuries they have had.”

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