Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has taken aim at former manager Steve Bruce.

Longstaff has thrived this season under Eddie Howe.

"It's weird, looking back," Longstaff told The Athletic. "Before the new manager came to Newcastle, I wasn't enjoying football. I wasn't enjoying coming in every day and not really playing.

"In my opinion, I didn't feel like I was getting massively coached into becoming the best version of me.

"It was perfect when I broke through (under Benitez). I came in and did well and everyone loves you.

"When Steve Bruce came in as manager, I'd come back from injury and didn't really feel like I was ready but sort of felt like I had to play.

"And when you're in that mindset and in that position, you're never going to be able to play well and, over time, I just sort of …"

On Howe, Longstaff continued: "After his first training session, I thought, 'That's totally different'. I loved every second.

"I didn't play much at the start but I always thought the way he wanted to play really suited me, and once I'd got in…

"I needed it (being showered with love by Howe) massively. In my opinion, it was something that had been lacking in the two years prior.

"It's like anything: as much as you're a professional and an adult, if someone shows you a bit of love and affection and tells you how great you are, it's nice to hear. I hadn't heard it for a long time.

"I spoke to the new manager more that month than I'd spoken to the old one in two years, which is probably not a good sign. He told me what his plans were, how he saw me in the team.

"He said, 'We'll get you a new contract sorted' — the club had just let me run into the last year of my deal. I thought to myself, "I don't really think I believe you", but it came true."