'Very positive for Newcastle fans' - Sky pundit loves what he saw from Bruce's men in West Brom win

The Magpies faced a difficult run up to that fixture, and had their preparations hampered by a number of positive Covid tests that forced them to shut their training ground.

Even on Saturday, Bruce was left without several first team options, but still saw his side pick up a 2-1 victory thanks to a late Dwight Gayle strike.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Football Show, former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Schwarzer argued that the result was a perfect illustration of the togetherness and fighting spirit that the 59-year-old has instilled on Tyneside.

He said: “For me, Newcastle seem like they are 100% behind Steve Bruce.

"When you come up against huge challenges like Newcastle have had with the restrictions with Covid, with the outbreak that happened in the training ground, to be able to come out of that and be as committed, as strong, [to show such] togetherness, is a sign of how well-respected and liked the manager is, and how they’re all fighting for the one cause.

"It's very positive.

"I think it’s very positive for Newcastle fans to see, even though the Steve Bruce appointment has divided a lot of Newcastle fans.”

Bruce’s side are currently 13th in the Premier League table with a points tally of 17.

A win against Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night could take them level on points with sixth-placed Manchester City.