‘He’s not easy’: Steve Bruce names Newcastle player who is ‘difficult to manage’

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Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce faced the media ahead of his side’s Friday night clash against Southampton.

The Magpies are on a very good run. Bruce’s men have lost just once in their last seven games in all competitions, and they will be looking to get another win under the belt when they face the Saints at the St. Mary’s.

Newcastle did well against high-flying Everton last weekend. A brace from Callum Wilson gave them the victory, and the Englishman is proving to be an excellent signing after six goals in seven league games.

Wilson will be a big threat on Friday, but not bigger than Allan Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman is Newcastle’s most exciting player to watch, but Bruce has revealed that he isn’t particularly easy to manage behind the scenes.

The Magpies boss told The Chronicle: “As I’ve said from day one, he (Saint-Maximin) is different. He can win you a match, but there are times where you want him to do a bit more. All of those things are in there, but he’s young and he’s still coming to terms with it as far as I’m concerned.”

“He’s always going to be a difficult one to manage. He’s not like an Almiron or a Callum Wilson – he will test you to the limit – but he’s worth it. We’ll keep on talking about him because that’s what he is. He’s a larger than life personality and he’s enjoyable to watch, whether he’s getting kicked or he’s taking on somebody.”

“Whatever it is, there’s never a dull moment. But, of course, he tests you and, to manage, he’s not easy. Let’s put it that way.”

Still only 23, Saint-Maximin has a lot of time to become one of the best attackers in the league. The Frenchman signed a new long-term contract recently, and Newcastle fans will be hoping that he leads them into the top-half of the league table this season.

Saint-Maximin only has a goal and an assist to his name so far this term. He scored the winner the last time he played in the league at Southampton, and he will be hoping to repeat the same when the two sides meet on Friday.