Steve Bruce says that Sean Longstaff gave him exactly what he asked for in this week's 7-0 win over Morecambe.
The Academy product has a tough task to force his way into the starting XI in the Premier League due to the influence of Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden.
But Longstaff showed exactly what he could do alongside the former Arsenal man and his performance against the Shrimpers was a reminder of the player who broke on to the scene in 2019.
Longstaff must wait to see what type of a role he will get at Tottenham Hotspur today but Bruce was impressed with his last display.
Bruce told Chronicle Live: "He was involved in everything a midfielder should be.
"He did the whole thing the other night.
"He won the ball back, and his tackle in the first minute set the tone for us.
"So he has to add that into his game.
"It's all right talking about passing which we all know comes very easily to him.
"But he's got to do the other stuff which is vitally important for a midfield player.
"You have to win your individual duel, headers, challenges, and all the rest of it as a midfield player.
"As he proved the other night he did that very well."
Whether Bruce opts for the same partnership in midfield against Newport County, with the last 16 clash fast approaching next week remains to be seen, but the Toon boss said: "Sean played very well, as did Isaac Hayden alongside him.
"Throughout the side they did. That's the reason why you win 7-0.
"Sean did very, very well. It was good to see."
