Steve Bruce will be without Isaac Hayden for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, which could hand Matty Longstaff an opportunity.
The teenager started his first competitive game for the club in the Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester, but is yet to make his debut in the Premier League.
But with Hayden’s suspension and Jonjo Shelvey potentially only fit enough for the bench, Longstaff is in with a chance.
Ahead of the game, Bruce said: “(Matty Longstaff) has been in with a chance since I walked through the door. He comes into the equation.”
It’s a two-way fight to start against the Red Devils between Longstaff and Ki Sung-Yueng. Older brother Sean is all but guaranteed to start, despite a poor run of form at the start of the season.
It would be some sight seeing the two Longstaff brothers start alongside each other in the heart of midfield against Manchester United.
But Ki is the safer option. The former South Korean captain has started one league game this season, the 3-1 defeat to Norwich. He did well when he came into the team last season, but has struggled to have the same impact under Bruce.
While he steadied things and moved the ball well against Brighton when he came on, his Leicester cameo was a bit of a nightmare. But then again, he was already up against it with the Magpies 1-0 down and and a man down.
This could play into Matty Longstaff’s hands. He’s an unknown quantity with a point to prove.
Older brother Sean took his chance when it came his way last season, and Matty could get a similar opportunity. He needs to follow in his brother’s footsteps if Bruce picks him over Ki.
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