Sean Longstaff reveals his reaction to Steve Bruce decision at Newcastle United

Longstaff was left out after Newcastle United's defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in mid-January.

And the midfielder only returned to the starting XI earlier this month.

The 23-year-old has spoken about head coach Steve Bruce’s decision – and his reaction to being left out – in an interview with the matchday programme ahead of yesterday’s 3-2 win over West Ham United.

"’,” said Longstaff, who broke through at Newcastle the season before last when Rafa Benitez was manager.

“Obviously, I have my own views on it, and whether I feel it was right or wrong, (but) it doesn’t really matter. I don’t make the final decision on it. All you can do is keep yourself ready.

"I know that in the two months between starts, I trained really well – probably the best I've trained in the last two years, I would say.

"I know it could have gone one of two ways; either me sort of sack it off – which isn’t the type of person I am, the way I’ve been brought up, or how I do things – or focusing on myself, setting myself little targets every day, and ultimately training to the best of my ability, forcing them to give me a chance.

"If I did get that chance, then brilliant. I was going to try and take it.”

Longstaff believes he’s stronger mentally for his experiences over the past couple of years.

"I think now I’m a much strong person mentally, and I think I’ve probably learned to deal with the expectations that me and the people around me put on myself,” said Longstaff.

"I probably got caught up in a bit of trying to please everyone in a way, whether that was people’s expectations of us and me thinking ‘yeah, I do need to try this, or try that, in this situation’, where, in reality, you don’t.

"Last season was tough with injuries and stuff, but, this season, when I’ve played, I think I’ve gone into games and done what I’ve wanted to do.”