Steve Bruce reacts after Newcastle United player 'bashed and bruised' in season-opener

Steve Bruce has called for more “protection” for Allan Saint-Maximin – after he was “bashed and bruised” at the London Stadium.

Saint-Maximin played in Saturday’s 2-0 season-opening win over West Ham United on Saturday.

placeholder image — Allan Saint-Maximin.

The winger – who tormented the home side with his pace – had a bruising evening, and head coach Bruce said: “Of course, you’d like him to be protected a bit more. I don't know how many kicks they had at him. I didn't see many yellow cards.

"He's going to have to accept that, and he will do, because he tries to beat you. Every time he gets it, he tries to beat you, so he's going to have to take a few tackles, but he was bashed and bruised around a bit on Saturday.”

Saint-Maximin, signed last year from Nice, could be rested for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers at St James’s Park.