Steve Bruce holds hands up and takes blame for Newcastle United 'disaster'

And Bruce admits he’s determined to make sure it doesn’t happen again, with the Blades at St James’ Park this evening.

Ryan Fraser was red-carded as the Magpies flopped at Bramall Lane in January, as Billy Sharp’s penalty ensured the red and white half of Sheffield were celebrating their first win of the Premier League season.

The head coach is keen to make sure lightning doesn’t strike twice on Tyneside, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side on the back of a win against Europe-chasing Everton.

“I certainly picked the wrong team back in January, which doesn't help,” he said.

“It was one of the awful displays of the season, we all remember it. We want to try and prevent that if we possibly can.

“Can we finish off the season? I have been delighted by how we have gone about things in the last 10 games. We want more of the same.

“If we slacken off we know that Sheffield United will punish us. The supporters are back in the stadium so we want to keep that attitude right.

“You look back on it and learn from it. You have to hold your hands up and say 'I didn't do us any favours'.

“It wasn't right on the night and we didn't play well enough. You have to take responsibility. And it was certainly one of the darker moments of the winter.”

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