Why this is the right time for Steve Bruce to blood in Newcastle United wonderkid Matty Longstaff

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Steve Bruce is reportedly ready to hand Matty Longstaff a start against Leicester City in the EFL Cup tonight. Newcastle host Leicester at St James’ Park tonight in the cup and Longstaff is due to start the game, according to The Daily Mail.

Despite never playing a senior game for Newcastle, Bruce is ready to throw Longstaff into the deep end tonight. The young central midfielder has been thriving for the U23 team and has earned his chance. This is the perfect opportunity for Longstaff and Bruce has probably made the right call.

Longstaff impressed in pre-season

Bruce apparently did not know about Matty Longstaff before the joined the club. But he quickly got to know him as he played an integral role in pre-season. After impressing for the U23 team, the teenager mixed with the senior players for the pre-season tour to China.

Longstaff scored with his first touch in a pre-season game against Saint-Etienne and has not looked back. With every training session and every performance, he is making himself impossible to ignore.

Premier League opposition provides stern test

This will not be a walk in the park for the 19-year-old. While other clubs have been able to give their young players a chance against lesser opposition, Newcastle face the daunting task of an in-form Leicester City side.

Whether Brendan Rodgers makes changes or not, Leicester’s midfield will be packed with talent. Longstaff faces a baptism of fire tonight, which should stand him in good stead for the long run.

Sean and Matty: the long-term Magpies pairing?

Sean Longstaff only made his debut last season but he enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom. By the end of the season, Manchester United were after him for £50m (as per this report by The Mail).

The brothers both play in central midfield and could become Newcastle’s long-term pairing in the middle of the park. They will understand each other’s style and work well in tandem for Newcastle – if both can prove they belong in the first-team every week.