Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce says Javier Manquillo's return to action can help them beat the drop this season.

The Spanish defender picked up an ankle injury in the nervy 3-2 win over Southampton but has fought back to fitness quicker than expected.

Manquillo was introduced as a late sub for the draw against Aston Villa and pleased Bruce with his efforts.

Bruce said: "Manquillo was just making sure that he's right an he's right for the run-in.

"He's now trained, he was ahead of schedule and we've erred on caution with him because of the injury that he's got.

"Thankfully he's back and will come into contention next week."

Bruce admits with three of his stars, in Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, all sidelined, he has limited options.

When asked if he was ready to make changes next week - after three successive draws - he said: "I wasn't thinking of making wholesale changes because we've already made wholesale changes in the last few weeks."