Newcastle United’s players are bemused over why Matty Longstaff is no longer being selected, the Athletic report.
Longstaff has not featured in five of Newcastle’s last six match day squads, which is said to have left the player and his teammates confused.
Steve Bruce had offered the youngster promises of regular game time in the summer, to persuade him to stay.
However, he has fallen way down the pecking order at St. James’ Park since the arrival of Joe Willock.
That is said to have confused Longstaff’s Newcastle teammates, who are believed to be bemused over the reasons for Bruce now picking the 20-year-old at all.
Longstaff, himself, may well look back on the summer with some regret now too.
The prospect almost went elsewhere in search of regular first-team action, but opted to stay after a chat with Bruce.
His decision seems to have backfired now, and there could well be question marks over his future all over again in the summer.
Longstaff may well be worth considering in the coming weeks for Newcastle, too.
Although he is inexperienced, the Magpies have struggled for results of late, and his exuberance could inject some life into the side.
Longstaff may not be the most disciplined positionally, but he could offer Newcastle energy and tenacity in the middle of the pitch.
And with Bruce’s side battling against the drop, those traits could be crucial in their fight to stay up.
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