Former Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish believes Steve Bruce can still turn things around at Newcastle United.

Newcastle face West Brom in a six-pointer today.

Eck told Football Insider: “I would never rule Steve Bruce out.

“Steve is a good friend and his accomplishment as a manager over the years has been excellent.

“He knows the game. He has to manage it the way he sees it and try to get the very best out the players.

“It was sad to hear about the bust-up with the player. Years ago these things would be kept within the dressing room. Now, we've got a new era of social media, things getting out.

“Everybody knows what's happening within every club. Newcastle at the moment are in a wee bit of a spiral.

“It's a shame Bruce has had this Matt Ritchie row. It seems a strange relationship."