Steve Bruce reveals his plan for Dan Barlaser after Newcastle United call-up

Steve Bruce and his players are preparing for the first game of the Premier League restart, the behind-closed-doors home fixture against Sheffield United a week today.

Newcastle beat Hull CIty 2-0 in a friendly at St James's Park yesterday thanks to goals from Florian Lejeune and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Bruce has called up a clutch of young players, including Barlaser, Kelland Watts and Tom Allan, to train with his first-team squad

“The squad is healthy,” sad Bruce, United’s head coach. “With the amount of games, I can’t stress rough we’re going to need all the squad, hence that’s why we’re bringing in the four or five young players to come and train with us.

“It’ll be very good for them as well and will make the numbers up. Once the competition starts, then of course it’s recovery and training for the other ones.“

Barlaser – who has made three senior cup appearances for Newcastle during Rafa Benitez’s time as manager – helped loan club Rotherham United win promotion to the Championship this season.

The 23-year-old is not eligible to play in the club’s remaining games as he’s not in the 25-man Premier League squad and also cup-tied.

However, Bruce is keen to assess Barlaser ahead of next season after the club exercised an option to extend his contract, which was due to expire at the end of this month.

“I was going to have another look in pre-season,” Bruce told NUFC TV. “We don’t even know when the next pre-season is going to be. I think it’s an ideal time to bring him into the squad.

“I’ve never seen Barlaser play. He’s had good reports down at Rotherham. Let’s give him the opportunity to to train with the players and be part of us going forward.”

Meanwhile, defender Watts, 20, has had spells at Stevenage and Mansfield Town this season.

“It’s a good chance to have a look at them,” said Bruce. “They’ve both had successful loan spells out. Let’s have a look at see where they’re up to.”