Steve Bruce reveals situation with Matty Longstaff at Newcastle United

The midfielder – who signed a new two-year contract at Newcastle United in the summer – wasn’t even in the squad for Wednesday night’s game against Leeds United, which Bruce’s side lost 5-2.

However, the 20-year-old – who missed the start of the season with a calf injury – will come into Steve Bruce’s thinking for the busy festive period.

“Of course with the number of games, Matty falls into the same sort of category or bracket as what Dummy (Paul Dummett) has gone into, and Ryan Fraser,” said Bruce, speaking ahead of tonight’s home game against Fulham.

"The simple facts are that he’s been out a long time, and he’s trained now for the last two or three weeks.

"He’s in and around the squad, and I could have done with him having two, three four games, like a pre-season, of course, but, unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to have that, so he is in my thoughts, of course, especially at this moment when we’ve got a few missing.

"He’ll have to wait his chance like everybody else.”

Longstaff – who broke into the first-team squad last year – could feature in next Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford.

"I understand from being here how fans want progress in the cups,” said Bruce. "It’s 15 years since the club has reached a semi-final. A great opportunity. Let's hope we can grasp it. Let's hope we can have a really really good five days.”

A win over third-bottom Fulham would see 14th-placed Newcastle reach the 20-point milestone in the Premier League before the halfway point of the season.

“We looked at this opportunity, and thought if we could get to 20 points by Christmas, which isn't the half way point this season, that'd be in January, usually everyone goes into Christmas thinking 20, and you’re delighted,” said Bruce.

"Of course, we’d love to be in that position.”

Bruce added: “At the moment, you can't prioritise (the league or the cup). I just want to win both. It’s making sure the squad is fit and healthy, and then ready to go again on the Tuesday.”

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