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Lee Ryder

Steve Bruce opens up on internal positivity in Toon camp and wasn't surprised by West Ham triumph

Steve Bruce says Newcastle United's victory at West Ham was delivered by his players after a week of positivity at the club's training ground.

The Magpies welcomed three new signings last week, with Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis joining the club, and the squad also held a get together at a Quayside steak house in the company of Mike Ashley.

Ashley then took his seat in the stands and applauded the players off just beneath the Press box at the London Stadium.

Bruce reflected: "It's very pleasing when it happens like that.

"All week there has been a positivity.

"To perform the way we did is also pleasing.

"It's great that Jeff and Callum get off to a good start and the young full-back (Jamal Lewis) has had a decent game too.

"I was delighted with the attitude that we showed against a big powerful West Ham team.

"Maybe it was not a game for the purist but the better football came from ourselves.

"I was pleased all round.

"Winning away from home is great and it was also the first time Newcastle have won their first game of the season in eight years so it's a decent night."

Bruce was delighted to see Wilson and Jeff Hendrick net debut goals but the performance of Lewis at left-back was a particular highlight for the Toon boss.

Not least after a season of struggle with Norwich City last season for the £15million man.

Bruce added: "I asked him the last time he won!

"He had a big smile on his face and I was delighted with him.

"He has a lot to learn still but he has all the ingredients to have a really wonderful career with Newcastle.

"The way he has handled himself in his first week has been terrific."

Adam Armstrong of Blackburn Rovers scores his team's first goal past Freddie Woodman of Newcastle United during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United (Getty Images)

United now look to improve their poor League Cup record with a home test against Adam Armstrong's Blackburn Rovers before a home meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.

Bruce warned: "We aren't going to get carried away.

"We've had a good start but we have more games, Tuesday then Sunday, it's all on.

"The size and strength of the squad looks a lot healthier and bigger than it was two weeks ago."

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