Steve Bruce explains 'awful' Newcastle United decision on Sean Longstaff

Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United is closed down by Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on May 02, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

The midfielder was replaced by loan man Joe Willock at the King Power Stadium for the game against Leicester City this evening – and Bruce says it was an ‘awful’ decision to make.

"Joe deserves a start. He has come off the bench the last few weeks and deserves it,” said Bruce of Willock.

"It has been tough on Sean, who has been decent the last few weeks but sometimes you have to make the awful decisions."

Bruce made one other change to the side for the Premier League clash, with Ciaran Clark dropping out in place of Emil Krafth.

And Bruce says the Irishman is carrying an injury, meaning he starts on the bench after some recent struggles.

"He's not 100% (Clark),” said Bruce.

"We didn't want to take a risk with him. That one was forced on us a little."