Steve Bruce lauded for 'outstanding' job at Newcastle United

Bruce’s side are 17th in the Premier League – and nine points above the relegation zone – ahead of tomorrow night’s game against third-placed Leicester City.

There were renewed calls for Bruce to be dismissed following a shocking 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in March, but United owner Mike Ashley backed the club’s head coach, who has had a net spend approaching £100million since succeeding Rafa Benitez at St James’s Park.

“I think Steve has done an outstanding job,” said Rodgers. “He’s limited in terms of the budget he has to spend on players, but he has had to go in and organise.

"Newcastle’s an incredible club, the fanbase, the expectation there. He’s organised them really well. You can see the football idea. I think he’s done an outstanding job – and he’s shown he’s an excellent manager.”