Steve Bruce embraces ‘simple’ equation to guide Newcastle away from relegation zone

The Magpies are just one point clear of Fulham and the relegation zone heading into the weekend

Steve Bruce is fronting up to the predicament Newcastle find themselves in (Getty)

Steve Bruce has accepted Newcastle United’s predicament as they battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League with just one point separating them from the bottom three.

The Magpies’ goalless draw at West Brom, combined with Fulham’s shock win at Liverpool, means both Bruce’s side and Brighton, who are 17th due to a superior goal difference to the Cottagers, are under big pressure with 10 or 11 games remaining for each side.

Newcastle battle Aston Villa on Friday eager to get the three points to ease their concerns, but Bruce is not shying away from the challenge in front of him and his players.

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Bruce said: “We’ve understood that for a while now. If you’re in the bottom six or seven... Look, we’re not alone, I’m sure all the other managers will be getting asked the same question.

“We all don’t want to be down there, we simply haven’t won enough football matches not to be. It’s quite simple: we have to understand what’s before us and get enough points to make sure we stay here.”

Newcastle’s hopes were handed a boost on Thursday when Villa boss Dean Smith revealed Jack Grealish, who has missed the last four games with a lower leg injury, had an illness and will not be involved at St James’ Park.

Bruce, who managed Grealish during his time in charge at Villa Park, has little doubt as to the 25-year-old England international’s influence on Smith’s side.

He said: “Look, when you’re without your best players - and certainly Jack, in my opinion, is their best player - then of course you’re going to miss him.

“He’s had a wonderful rise over the last few years. I had the pleasure of managing him for a couple of years and have watched his development, and he’s turned into a top, top player, the kid. They’re a better side when Jack’s in it, it’s as simple as that.”

Villa retained their top flight status at the end of last season by a single point as the Magpies finished comfortably in 13th place, but roles have been reversed this time around.

Newcastle’s cause has not been helped by injuries to key attacking trio Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron and while all three will be missing for some time yet, head coach Bruce revealed they are making progress.

Asked about 10-goal leading scorer Wilson, he said: “He’s four weeks in, so we’re seeing him on the grass and he’s progressing - and that goes for Allan and Almiron as well.

“We’ve just got to let nature take its course. We hope by the end of the international break they’ll be there or thereabouts.”

PA