Newcastle United full back Kieran Trippier has confirmed dressing room concerns regarding the players' fitness when Steve Bruce was manager.

Trippier, who came into the club in January when Eddie Howe had already been appointed as head coach, has helped lead a Magpies revival.

Having been in danger of relegation last season, Newcastle are now in the top four of the Premier League.

He told Vibe with Five: "I spoke to a few players before I came here, and obviously the old owners were here and Steve Bruce.

“Some of the lads were saying things like training and the level of fitness of the players wasn't there.

"Eddie has come in, and he's one of the type of managers that needs to know everything about you.

“He brings the right characters into the club, which he has done since I've been here.

"He's all about the togetherness of the group, and he's one of those managers where fitness-wise, I feel we're probably one of the fittest teams in the league.

“He's big on that as well, about out-running opponents."