Steve Bruce hails Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United attacker Christian Atsu played almost the full game for Steve Bruce’s side at the weekend.

Steve Bruce has told the Northern Echo that Newcastle United’s Christian Atsu was heroic against Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle beat Spurs 1-0 in their last outing, with Atsu being forced to come off the bench early on.

An injury to Allan Saint-Maximin meant that Atsu was required to play over 70 minutes for Newcastle and he put in a huge shift.

Atsu is only just coming back to fitness himself, but he showed his quality against Tottenham, and even set up Joelinton’s goal was an excellent pass.

And Bruce admits that he may need to rest Atsu for Newcastle’s game against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup tonight.

“I can’t see Atsu being able to go again,” Bruce said.

“What Atsu did was heroic because I never expected him to be on the pitch for the best part of 80 minutes.

“He’s been a concern so I would think there is going to be four or five but, then again, I’ve got some experienced players who did not even make the squad.”

Atsu has not always been a consistent performer for Newcastle, and was only used sporadically by Rafael Benitez last term.

The £6 million winger (Guardian) looks likely to be an impact sub again this term, with Newcastle strengthening their attack.

However, Atsu’s display against Spurs has done his first-team chances no harm, and he may get the nod to start at the weekend, when Bruce’s side take on Watford at St. James’ Park.