Steve Bruce aims dig at criticism of Allan Saint-Maximin decision

A late strike from Saint-Maximin gave Newcastle United a 1-0 Premier League win over Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium yesterday.

The winger – who set up two goals in Tuesday night's 3-2 FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion – had been left out of Bruce’s team last weekend after being troubled by a “sore” hamstring.

“What a wonderful decision it was to leave him on the bench last week,” said head coach Bruce. “I thought he wasn’t quite physically right. I gave him a break from it. Now he’s scored one and made two in the cup tie.

“I’m delighted for him. I said from day one he’s always going to please everybody. He’s got pace, great balance. He’s frustrating at times, and he has to learn, but if he learns, he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”