Steve Bruce reveals his rewards system at Newcastle United

Dwight Gayle, we know, has been “constantly” asking for more time on the pitch, having only played 45 minutes of Premier League football under Bruce.

The striker, however, was an unused substitute last weekend for the club’s home game against Southampton, which Newcastle won 2-1 to move up to 11th in the Premier League.

Fabian Schar did make it off the bench along with midfielder Sean Longstaff, who recently served a three-match ban for his dismissal against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Schar – who suffered a knee injury in mid-October – had been pushing for a comeback, and the defender could start against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday with Ciaran Clark doubtful with the calf injury which forced him off against Southampton.

For Bruce, the key for Longstaff, Gayle and Florian Lejeune is patience – as he will “reward” players that do well.

“I’m delighted to see Longy again,” said United's head coach. “The way to create the spirit is that if someone comes into the team and does well, then you reward them. That’s the way I’ve always tried to manage.

“I’ve had Fab Schar knocking on the door for weeks now he’s back fit, but (Paul) Dummett, Clark and Fedi (Federico Fernandez) have been excellent. We’ve got Flo (Lejeune) as well, but we’ll need them now.

“We’re starting all of a sudden to have six or seven (out), and that’s when we’ll need that big squad. I’ll use them all.”