Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce insists Danny Rose remains an England left-back.

Rose is on-loan at Newcastle from Tottenham to the end of the season.

Bruce said: “I don't have to explain what Danny Rose is. He's England's left-back in many people's eyes. He's desperate to go to the championships so hopefully we'll see the best of him."

He's started twice for England this season, the last in October's defeat to the Czechs in which Roy Keane claimed he was at fault for their winner.

“Rose gave a performance that was shocking, abysmal. Keane claimed. “Someone needs to get a hold of that guy. I think he'll be the same in 3-4 years. Some players don't learn from their mistakes."

Bruce added: “Roy said that about him? Did he, really? Look Roy is entitled to his opinion, like we all are, but I think we've got a really, really talented left back - left wing back, whatever you want to call it – through the door.

“We've added quality. Roy, when he is at his belligerent best, he is box office. He is entitled to his opinion."

Asked about Rose's hunger for the game, Bruce said: “The easiest thing for him would be to not play and stay at Spurs. He wants to play. He wants to get in the England team. He's been no problem at all. He's fitted in well. He's trained well and worked hard.

“Outspoken? I don't mind that at all. He's been excellent."