Bruce picks out "terrific" NUFC star, drools over Anderson & shares update on absent trio

Steve Bruce has picked out Andy Carroll for special praise following last night's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal - believing his second half misses can't take away from what was a "terrific" overall display from the big man.

The NUFC boss has also spoken highly of 18-year-old talent Elliot Anderson, believing the local lad was "very, very good" in his first appearance for the club at senior level.

Bruce has also confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles failed to come out for the second half due to "fatigue", suggesting he's not yet made a full recovery from COVID, while Callum Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey appear to have been left at home as a precaution ahead of Tuesday's crucial clash with Sheffield United.

Here's what Bruce has had to say about all of the above, starting with his comments on Andy Carroll:

"I thought Andy did fantastically well.

"A goal would have topped it off for him.

'There’s nobody more disappointed than Andy.

"His overall play was terrific."

Bruce on Elliot Anderson:

"I thought the kid was very, very good.

"He's been knocking on the door for a while now so it was good to see.

"He's got a big future ahead of him."

Bruce then revealed the reason for Lascelles' withdrawal, also stating that he's hopeful absent duo Wilson and Shelvey will be ok for next week's trip to Bramall Lane:

"He (Lascelles) came off because of fatigue.

"With all the problems we've got, we left a few (Wilson and Shelvey) at home.

"Hopefully they'll be ready for Tuesday and we can freshen up the team."

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