Steve Bruce has his say on Miguel Almiron's new role at Newcastle United

Almiron has been used as a No.10 since Graeme Jones was appointed as Bruce’s assistant at Newcastle United late last month – and the switch has paid dividends.

The midfielder – who had been struggling for form – scored two goals in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Southampton at St James's Park.

“With the change in formation and system, the one person who’s benefitted from it all, basically, is Almiron – he’s been terrific,” said head coach Bruce.

"I’ve said it since I walked through the door. He’s been here for a couple of years. He’s a great pro, a great lad – a joy to work with. My job would be easy if they were all like Almiron. He’s playing very, very well at the minute, which is pleasing. You need your big players to stand up. Miggy has proved very, very good for us.”

Jones’s arrival has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Newcastle, who had been on an 11-game winless run before the January 30 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

The 50-year-old was brought in for some “fresh ideas”, according to Bruce.

United's had coach addressed what he described as “conspiracy theories” around Jones’s appointment ahead of the Southampton game.

"Look, it's been talked about for week now about bringing in somebody to help us when we had the problems with Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence,” said Bruce. "I reiterate, he was my first choice. All these conspiracy theories, I wish I could just put them to bed.”

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