Steve Bruce gives his verdict on Joelinton's latest Newcastle United performance

Bruce's relegation-threatened side claimed a point from a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at St James's Park tonight thanks to a 94th-minute equaliser from captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Joelinton playing on the right, had a chance in each half, but didn’t test goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

"Joelinton has come in for criticism, but he's contributed to the team,” Bruce told BT Sport. “He needs to score a goal, and be the hero, and I'm sure there's a goal or two around the corner.”

Reflecting on a third successive draw, Bruce said: "There wasn't much in the game. Arguably, we had the best chances, but the goal they scored was a bit of a fluke. Then you have to show desire to get back into it, and we did that. There are still 10 games to go. We've got to show the same attitude, and hopefully big players are back around the corner.”