Newcastle can use the training ground bust-up between Steve Bruce and Matt Ritchie to spur them on.
That is the verdict of former Magpies defender Steve Howey who hopes it 'knits them together' ahead of Sunday's huge clash with West Brom.
Bruce is coming under increasing pressure after a run of just two wins in the last 17 matches left Newcastle in serious relegation trouble.
That was heightened on Wednesday evening when reports of a heated bust-up between Bruce and Ritchie on the training ground hit the national press.
It has thrown Newcastle's preparations for Sunday's vital trip to West Brom into disarray but Howey hopes it can all end with a positive outcome at the Hawthorns.
"With the comments after the game you can understand Steve was frustrated," Howey told Sky Sports News.
"He has obviously given Matt Ritchie a job to do to pass on information and he feels that hasn't been passed on quick enough.
"We have all seen Jamie Carragher's analysis on Monday Night Football and it ultimately cost Newcastle a goal because Jacob Murphy wasn't in the right position.
"That is typical of when things aren't going right for you.
"It is one of those things and it is going to get spoken about. Hopefully it is something that spurs the players on and knits them together ahead of a big game against West Brom on Sunday."
