"He played very, very well" - Bruce names NUFC's "exceptional" player in 1-1 draw vs Watford

Steve Bruce believes Sean Longstaff is playing the best football he has played since he became Newcastle manager over two years ago.

The 23-year-old scored a 25-yard screamer to open the scoring against Watford yesterday, but it ultimately wasn’t enough as we failed to see out the victory and drew 1-1.

He's been reintroduced to the side in the absence of Jonjo Shelvey and has been one of our rare bright lights in an otherwise underwhelming start to the campaign.

His form has not gone unnoticed by Bruce, who had this to say to the press following Saturday’s draw:

“I have to say he’s played very, very well, which I’m glad to see.

“I’m delighted to see it. Long may it continue. I’m really pleased with Sean at the moment.

“He’s playing exceptionally well, as good as he's played since I’ve been at the club, so I’m delighted.”

With less than one year left on his contract, Toon chiefs, ahem, Lee Charnley, should be taking note or else we could risk losing him for NOTHING next summer.

Rafa Benitez handed Longstaff his debut in December 2018 and has been linked to a reunion with his former protégé.

It would be a shame to see an academy product leave - especially when he clearly still has a role to play at NUFC.