Steve Bruce reacts to Allan Saint-Maximin injury scare in Newcastle United win

The winger came off the bench and replaced Joelinton in last night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Blackburn Rovers at St James’s Park.

However, Saint-Maximin – who had started the weekend’s 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham United at the London Stadium – needed treatment late in the second-round tie, which was decided by a first-half goal from debutant Ryan Fraser. Newcastle will face League Two club Morecambe in the next round.

Saint-Maximin, 23, will now be assessed ahead of Sunday’s Premier League home game against Brighton and Hove Albion. Asked about Saint-Maximin’s problem, head coach Steve Bruce said: “Yeah, we think he’s OK. It’s a bit of a knock, we think. At this stage we think there’s nothing to worry about.”

Meanwhile, defender Ciaran Clark made his comeback from ankle surgery against Blackburn. Bruce said: “I thought he was immaculate.”