Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has explained the benching of Allan Saint-Maximin for their 0-0 draw against Burnley.

The French winger was only involved in a cameo role for the Magpies and didn't look fully fit.

Bruce later told the media he'd been carrying a hamstring injury.

Bruce said: "I didn't detect he was right all week in traning.

"On Thursday I thought he was little bit sore in his hamstring areas.

"From that point of view, it was an easy decision to make.

"For me, he's been training at half pace.

"On Thursday, he was claiming he was sore, so I was never going to take a chance."