Newcastle United fans are baffled by Steve Bruce's team selection – as actions of head coach don't follow words

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United warms up prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St. James Park on January 26, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Bruce recently claimed he’d been unable to name Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron in the same team due to illness and injury – and then when he’s able to do so v Southampton, opts not to.

Here’s what else NUFC fans are talking about on Twitter...

@_AWTB – “Moans about hardly having the opportunity to play ASM and Fraser together then drops Fraser when ASM starts…”

@ColmRose94 – “It's genuinely sad to see the Longstaff brothers being ruined by Steve Bruce. Both got massive potential, both talented, and both not even in the squad today. Clueless, moronic management.”

@Joetprosser – “Haha can we stop playing Hendrick in the middle at some point?”

@Percycola – “Watching Arsenal against Villa and wondering how Joe Willock can’t get a game for them. Unless we’re about to find out...

@NufcTrev – “I’d rather see Dummett at CB and Hayden in the middle with Hendricks anywhere but on the pitch.”

@craiggrant1988 – “Another chance to play Fraser and ASM that he's apparently "not had" and another time he's dropped the ball.”

@andrewsneill – “Bruce has complained that he's never had the opportunity to start ASM and Fraser together for #nufc quite a few times this season. First opportunity and he drops one to the bench. Seems odd...”

@barrynothere33 – “Matty Longstaff not even in the squad?? WHY.”