Steve Bruce insists he deserves the chance to lead Newcastle United under their incoming new owners.

It's been suggested the Saudi-backed group will dump Bruce at the end of the season for a bigger name.

But Geordie told Sky Sports: "It will be wonderful to actually be able to challenge and have as good a team that Newcastle had in 1995 or under Sir Bobby Robson.

"Of course, I think I can handle that.

"Management is about getting the best out of its material, whether in a lower division or at the top. I back myself to give it a shot. I even believe I can handle it."