Steve Bruce hints he'll turn to rarely-seen threesome as he discusses his "strongest" team

Steve Bruce has talked up the need to get Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron all starting at the same time, hinting the attacking trio will all feature in his "strongest team" that he feels hasn't been seen yet.

He's often not helped himself when it comes to protecting players from injuries or picking the right system or personnel, however it's fair to say the NUFC boss has VERY rarely had all three fit and available to play just behind Callum Wilson.

We saw a glimpses of that last night in an improved second half display against Leeds, but Bruce will need to get all four clicking soon if he's to stay in a job after yet another defeat.

Here's what Bruce has had to say about the trio fans have been urging him to play behind Wilson all season:

“I don’t think I’ve been in a position where I’ve played my strongest team, for whatever reason – injury, suspension, whatever,”

“It’s the first time we’ve really seen Allan for the best part of two months.

"Let’s hope Saint-Maximin stays well, and Ryan Fraser stays well

“If those two stay well and Almiron stays well, then hopefully we have a front three that will create enough to hopefully get us where we want to be.

"Any club, if you take out your best players going forward, they make such a huge difference.

“Saint-Maximin has been the one, along with Almiron, who lifts the place up with their ability.

"To be more of a goal threat, we also need Ryan Fraser to stay fit.

"If he stays well and Almiron stays well, then hopefully that will create enough to hopefully get us where we want to be.

"That's the best we've played in weeks. I've seen a little bit of something and we will start again tomorrow.

"We were on the front foot, and that’s what we’ve been trying to achieve.

"It was good to see the forward players n the pitch to make that possible for us, what a difference if we keep Ryan Fraser right - and Miguel Almiron - then we know we are going to be that threat."

I've had a look, and only ONCE have all three played along with Callum Wilson this season - but that was in the 1-1 draw at Wolves which saw Bruce play a 5-3-1-1 with Almiron and Fraser either side of Hendrick in midfield!

We're yet to see consistency from Bruce, a clear plan or any real sign that the "glove are off", so it's about time he went with a 4-2-3-1 with ASM and Fraser wide, Aliron in the No 10 role and Wilson up top!

Now all three are fit, there's absolutely no excuses now!

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