'You need people like that': Steve Bruce highlights key Newcastle United player

Defender t out Wednesday night’s 5-0 defeat to Manchester City with an ankle problem – could be back for this afternoon’s game against Watford at Vicarage Road.

“Without question, down the spine of your team, you always need someone like Jamal,” said Bruce.

“Yes, he made a mistake, but you can count them on one hand the number of mistakes he’s made, which is vitally important for a centre-back. He has those leadership skills, and a great determination to win, so of course you need people like that.

"At the other end, we’ve got (Allan) Saint-Maximin and (Miguel) Almiron, and they’re always going to be a threat to anybody. Look, we had a bad night against one of the top, top teams, and when you’re down to the bare bones, you need everything to go your way.”