Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce believes that Christian Atsu's return from a summer hamstring injury has handed him an important boost following the loss of Matt Ritchie for two months.

Bruce has since turned to Atsu to help patrol the left-hand side along with Jetro Willems.

He said: "I've only really seen Christian since the back end of last week because of the stuff with the African Nations and being injured, but as soon as he's come in, he's handled the ball well.

"Whether it's given him a new lease of life, I'm not sure, but I been very, very pleased with him.

"He's done very, very well. He ran himself to a standstill (against Watford) I have to tell you."