Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce says Allan Saint-Maximin missed victory at Crystal Palace due to a calf complaint.

The winger was withdrawn from the squad on Thursday night but Bruce played down talk of unrest behind the scenes.

Speaking after the 2-0 win over one of his former clubs, Bruce said: “Allan unfortunately picked up a calf injury.

“He was complaining about it before training, and then afterwards he wasn't right, so unfortunately he's picked up a calf.

“We'll see how bad it is over the next couple of days."