Steve Bruce reveals why he left Jeff Hendrick out of his Newcastle United starting XI

Hendrick, signed as a free agent in the summer following the expiry of his Burnley contract, had been an ever-present until Saturday’s home Premier League game against Chelsea.

Bruce recalled Isaac Hayden, back from a hamstring injury, to his team for the game, which United lost 2-0.

“Any decision that you make is obviously going to be scrutinised – and rightly so,” said United’s head coach. “I just thought Isaac was ready. Jeff’s played a hell of a lot, non-stop for the past two months, and what I wanted was the ability of Isaac.

"Had it taken the chance, maybe it was handball, but he had a big chance in the game, then maybe it would’ve been different. You make these decisions, these calls. I just thought Isaac was right for the game against Chelsea.”