Steve Bruce drops Newcastle United team selection hint amid 'knocks' and Covid-19 absences

Bruce will be without a number of players at the Brentford Community Stadium following the recent Covid-19 outbreak at the club.

United's head coach also has “one or two knocks” to contend with, while Federico Fernandez, recovering from Covid-19, has been assessed after being forced off in the weekend’s 1-1 draw against Fulham due to “fatigue”.

Bruce will again be without Allan Saint-Maximin.

Asked if he would treat the tie like a Premier League fixture, Bruce said: “It’s vitally important. It’s as important as paying a Premier League game. We’re in a quarter-final of the cup, have the chance to get to a semi-final, so it’s vitally important

“It’s a big important, moment. We’ll give it every seriousness I’ve always given the cup competitions.

“We’ve got 20-odd players to choice from. Unfortunately, we’ve lost a few, as you know. We’ve got 20-odd players to choose for who can get us through the cup tie.

“I’ve got to wait and see what we’re like, how we recover, and see what we’re like in terms of injuries. We’ve got one or two knocks. Obviously, lets see how Feddy is. I’ll pick the strongest team that I think I can.”

Newcastle last reached a cup semi-final in 2005, and Bruce – who spoke about the importance of cup runs to the club after taking over last year – feels that his team can progress further.

“Once you get to a quarter-final, you've got a semi-final at stake,” said Bruce. “We haven't been there for years, so I hope we're looking forward to it. Certainly, I am. The games are coming thick and fast, but what an opportunity we've got.

"We've got a wonderful opportunity to get to the semi-final of the cup, so let's look forward to it and enjoy the challenge of it, and see where we can go.

"As always, the big teams are still there. Of late, at the top of my head, I think only Wigan have won a cup apart from the top six, if you like. We know how difficult it is, but let's have a crack.

"Let's enjoy it – and see where we get to.”

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