Steve Bruce has revealed how impressed he has been by Andy Carroll's desire in recent weeks.
The former Liverpool striker has returned to training after lockdown weighing in five kilos lighter and even knocked on Bruce's door to ask why he wasn't a starter against Aston Villa.
Carroll came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw and set up the equaliser for Dwight Gayle to score his first of the season.
Bruce said: “If he can keep himself right he’ll be a good addition to any Premier League team.
"He still knocked on my door the other day and wanted to know why he wasn’t starting!
"I was pleased he still had that hunger about him and wanted to be Newcastle’s No 9."
United could probably be forgiven if they switched to a more defensive mode for the clash with City but Bruce insists that he is happy with how his back four system is operating.
He added: "I’ve been delighted with them.
"When we changed formation, I think that was the right moment.
"We had Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin playing too deep which helped the team but we were becoming less of a threat.
"Defensively we’ve been rock solid so long may it continue.”
