Matty Longstaff urged to leave Newcastle United after pundit claims Steve Bruce was 'proven right' over surprise omission

The 21-year-old signed a new two-year contract in August last year after making 15 appearances during his breakthrough season – which included a memorable winner at home to Manchester United on his Premier League debut.

Longstaff had offers from elsewhere, including Udinese, however, committed his future to his boyhood club with the anticipation of gaining more first-team opportunities.

He started and performed well over the festive period against Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester City and Arsenal, though hasn’t featured for Bruce since.

His absence is something Magpies fans have struggled to get their heads around but McAvennie insists the United head coach’s decision to leave him out was justified.

Newcastle plummeted into relegation trouble with just two wins in 21 matches between December and April before winning five of their remaining eight fixtures to see them home.

McAvennie told Football Insider: “He has to go somewhere and play.

“They were playing without him and getting results so Bruce has been proved right there.

“It’s not a popular thing to say but he’s been proved right. The young boy wants games and I have no problem with that.

“If you aren’t getting a game, go and play somewhere else. If he’s that desperate, he could drop down the leagues to find football.

“He’s English as well, he won’t just sit and take the money. He will want to go and play football wherever he can get it.”

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