Steve Bruce must stand by July comments and start Almiron against Rochdale

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When Steve Bruce arrived at Newcastle in July last year, he made it clear he would go for it in the domestic cups.

He told the Chronicle in July: “Can we win a cup tie, can we do well in the League Cup or the FA Cup?

“That’s got to be an aim. It’s not just about staying in the division and being happy with that – that would be wrong.”

While Newcastle were knocked out of the League Cup straight away after a penalty shootout loss to Leicester, the Magpies have a decent draw in the third round of the FA Cup.

We head to Rochdale to take on the League One outfit live on BT Sport, with the TV company fancying an upset.

In years gone by, our FA Cup record has been woeful. There’s been no attempt to actually progress, but Bruce stated early doors that he’ll give the cup a crack.

Bruce must pick his best team possible

So if he is to remain true to his word, he must start Miguel Almiron at Spotland. The £21 million man is our best player available, and therefore has to feature against the third tier side.

This game looks like a real banana skin. If Bruce picks a team just consisting of squad players and youngster, it could be embarrassing. An FA Cup third round exit to a League One side could seriously undo the good work the new manager has done since arriving.

Just because Rochdale are a lower league side doesn’t mean this game will be easy. It’ll be a tough test for the Magpies, who are on a horrendous run following a woeful Christmas.

To avoid a catastrophe, Bruce must pick a strong team. That means no rest for Miguel Almiron.