Sean Longstaff reveals just how competitive Newcastle 'Project Restart' has been as tackles fly at Benton

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Matthew Longstaff of Newcastle United (left) and Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United check out the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images )

But a ‘sensible’ approach is the order of the day for Steve Bruce’s United, who have a fully fit squad ahead of a potential return to Premier League action on Saturday, June 20.

"When those competitive juices start flowing it is easy to forget where you are but we have to be sensible," said Longstaff to NUFC TV.

"You normally spend two or three days not playing football and you are twiddling your thumbs and thinking about it. It felt like we were off forever. Luckily everyone has stayed in pretty good shape.

“The tempo and levels has been so good because everyone is looking for a place in the team.”

United currently sit 13th in the top flight table, eight points above the relegation zone.