Steve Bruce explains Matty Longstaff's omission at Newcastle United

Longstaff started Newcastle United's Premier League game against champions Liverpool at St James’s Park last night – and the 20-year-old played his part as Steve Bruce’s side claimed a hard-fought point from a goalless draw.

The midfielder’s appearance followed a start against Manchester City on Boxing Day.

However, Longstaff hadn’t even been on the bench for last week’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford – and he’d played just 29 minutes of Premier League football this season before the club’s visit to the Etihad Stadium.

Longstaff’s time out of the team was down to a contract dispute, weight loss and a “niggling” calf injury, according to Bruce.

“There’s no disputing that the contract dispute, although that’s not what you call it, took it (out of) him,” said United’s head coach.

“Of course, the other thing was that he couldn’t shake off a thigh injury which was bugging us all to be brutally honest.

"In the last few weeks, he’s looked more like himself. He’s had to wait patiently. He’s reminded us again of why I put him in the team in the first place. I was delighted for him, in particular. What a couple of games to come and play, Man City away and Liverpool.

"I thought he did set the tone (against Liverpool). He’s got a great attitude, the kid, and has given everybody a lift.”

Longstaff – who signed a new two-year deal at Newcastle in August – is now being assessed ahead of Sunday’s home game against Leicester City.

“Look, he’s playing very, very well,” said Bruce, who will be without the suspended Isaac Hayden.

“We’ll see how he recovers. I worried about him for a long time. Over the last couple of months he lost a lot of weight. He didn’t look himself, and (had) a horrible, niggling injury which niggled away. It was never right.

"So we had to wait a long time. He’s reminded us what a good player he is. He’s done very well. I’m delighted he’s back.”

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