Steve Bruce reacts to injury concerns ahead of Newcastle United's FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City

Bruce’s side, held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa last night in the Premier League, take on Pep Guardiola’s team at St James's Park on Sunday.

And United’s head coach – who named an unchanged team against Villa – has concerns over Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden.

“We’ve played two games, and have got a few niggles,” said Bruce. “The first thing we’re going to have to do is see how we are. We’ve got one or two, Matt Ritchie and Issac Hayden, who have obviously got a niggle. We’ll see how we are by Friday, and go from there.”

Reflecting on the Villa game, Bruce said: “I didn’t think we got to the levels where we were at the weekend (in the 3-0 win over Sheffield Untied). Four points from the opening two games, I think we’d have accepted that.”