Injury doubts for Bruce ahead of Spurs trip

Bruce's side take on José Mourinho's side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the venue in which he secured his first Premier League win as United manager as Joelinton's maiden goal for the Magpies secured a 1-0 win in North London last term.

However, Newcastle could be without the services of Lewis and Saint-Maximin, who were both taken off during United's league defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Bruce also confirming defender Ciaran Clark is unlikely to feature against the Lilywhites.

He said: "We'll see how Jamal Lewis and Allan Saint Maximin are when they train. Jamal has an awful eye injury and Allan has got a slightly twisted ankle. It's too early to make the call before Sunday but they are the main two along with Ciaran Clark, who unfortunately hurt his thigh the other night (against Morecambe)."

Despite a disappointing 3-0 home loss against Brighton, Newcastle comfortably progressed into the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night with a 7-0 hammering of League Two Morecambe, the club's biggest ever away win.

Bruce was pleased with the Magpies' professional performance at the Mazuma Stadium, admitting those who featured in the cup tie have given him food for thought ahead of their return to Premier League action at the weekend.

"They certainly did everything what was asked of them," Bruce added. "If they sensed an opportunity to get into the team, they've performed in that way. It was the attitude to put things right from the squad which was pretty evident from the first whistle on an awful evening with no crowd.

"They worked extremely hard and got their rewards for it because from the first whistle to the last, we were very good which was pleasing because that's the sort of reaction you want after a disappointing result last weekend.

"I was pleased with the manner and the way all of them rolled up their sleeves and made sure they were going to do their upmost to get into the team for Sunday, so fair play to them all. They put in a cracking performance."

Miguel Almirón and Jacob Murphy, both of whom are yet to start a top-flight fixture this term, produced impressive individual displays against the Shrimps, with both grabbing a goal and assist each and Bruce highlighted the positive work ethic of the pair in recent weeks.

"Sometimes when you're picking the team you have to make difficult decisions," Bruce added. "Everybody knows what I think of Almirón. He trains everyday, he is a manager's delight and a very good player. He's unlucky not to have started in the league.

"I picked a team which I thought was capable of getting a result against West Ham  and, in hindsight, I maybe should have brought him back for Brighton.

"(On Murphy) it wasn't just his performance the other night but since we've come back for pre-season, he's not missed a day's training and been very decent in the warm-up games so I've been very, very pleased with his progress. The loan situation, in my opinion, has helped him so I'm pleased for him - he's grasped the opportunity."

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Steve Bruce's pre-Tottenham media briefing in full