Steve Bruce reveals why he played Fabian Schar ahead of Matty Longstaff in Newcastle United's midfield

Steve Bruce has revealed why he persevered with Fabian Schar in midfield – and left Matty Longstaff on the bench.
Matty Longstaff, right, with Emil Krafth, centre, and Valentino Lazaro.Matty Longstaff, right, with Emil Krafth, centre, and Valentino Lazaro.
Matty Longstaff, right, with Emil Krafth, centre, and Valentino Lazaro.

Watford came from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Vicarage Road this afternoon. Dwight Gayle gave Bruce’s side a first-half lead, but Troy Deeney scored two second-half penalties to claim all three points for the home side.

Injury-hit Bruce had opted for the “physicality” of defender Schar over midfelder Longstaff’s athleticism.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked if there was any reason why he didn’t start Longstaff, United’s head coach said: “No, I just thought we needed his physicality. His physicality was important to us. I think he did really well to be honest. It’s something we’ve done in training and worked on.”

Contract talks with Longstaff – who hasn’t started a Premier League game since January – are deadlocked. However, Bruce has previously insisted that the 20-year-old’s contractual situation won’t influence his selection.