Sean Longstaff is back in the Newcastle United starting XI, and is definitely much improved compared to earlier in the season.
The 23-year-old had been enduring a relatively tough season, but he’s really stepped up his game in recent weeks.
He has now started the last four games in the Premier League, and is the man Steve Bruce has trusted to replace Isaac Hayden.
Many expected Jeff Hendrick to be the player drafted into the starting XI, but the elder Longstaff brother got the nod – and has been justifying his manager’s faith.
There’s a very reasonable chance Longstaff will start every game now until the end of the season with Hayden sidelined with a knee injury.
Speaking about his teammate, Longstaff said (via Shields Gazette): “I got a bit lucky or unlucky for Isaac (Hayden) getting injured, which is not the way I wanted to do it but it’s worked out in my favour a little bit.
“Hopefully now I can keep the shirt for as long as possible.”
Longstaff must continue stepping up
He’s had it tough this season.
His form for the most part has been poor in a struggling team, and he’s come in for plenty of criticism at times.
Many had wondered what had happened to Longstaff and why his form dipped so much.
But now he’s playing with confidence again, and hopefully he can keep this high level up until the end of the season and remind people of his exciting potential.
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