Steve Bruce reacts to Rolando Aarons 'nonsense' after Newcastle United winger hits form

Aarons joined the Championship club on loan from Newcastle United in January.

And the winger – who is not in Rafa Benitez's plans at Newcastle – has impressed manager Bruce during the club's recent run of form.

Aarons netted Wednesday's second goal, and his first for the club, in last night's 2-0 win away to Bolton Wanderers.

"Rolando, who's had a real big impact on us, has capped off a memorable night for him, because I thought he was terrific in the second half in particular," Bruce told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"His career seemed to have fallen off the cliff a little bit, so you blow him a little bit of confidence, put an arm around his shoulder and remind him what a good player he was – which I remember when he first burst onto the scene.

"I'm delighted because he's given us something we haven't got – he's got a little trick, he's quick, and he's energetic and young, and I'm delighted for him, because he's a really, really good kid."

Aarons' once-promising career at United has been interrupted by a series of injuries.

The 23-year-old, under contract at St James's Park until 2021, was also given a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work last year after admitting affray for his part in a bar brawl.

Bruce, however, believes there has been "nonsense" written about Aarons, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Slovan Liberec.

"All this nonsense written about him, I've not seen it," said Bruce. "He's done great since he walked through the door."