AS the criticism increases and pressure mounts on Steve Bruce, the Newcastle United head coach insists he will get things right on Tyneside given time.

Bruce might only be two Premier League matches into his reign as the Magpies boss but he is already coming under fire from many quarters, with question marks over his tactics and decisions already being raised.

But while he is receiving support from other areas by those, including Alan Shearer, appreciative of the situation the Corbridge-born boyhood Newcastle fan has inherited, it is clear he needs results quickly to help his relationship with the supporters.

Saturday’s surrender to Norwich City was hugely disappointing but the challenge in the top-flight certainly doesn’t get any easier, with trips to Tottenham and then Liverpool flanking a home date with Watford that already looks significant.

Bruce, knowing how Rafa Benitez’s settled team didn’t win for the first ten matches in the league last season but ended up pulling clear of trouble, is convinced Newcastle will get better under his watch provided he is given the backing.

“It’s only been a month but the more time you get with the players, the more you know what way you will play. There are players I haven’t even seen yet,” said Bruce.

“We are always as good as our squad. We have two or three injuries, Dwight Gayle, Christian Atsu, who we have not seen at all. That’s frustrating for me and them. We are carrying four or five at the moment and we aim to get them fit. The more you have to choose from the better.”

But Bruce, 58, is experienced enough to know Newcastle need positive results and given the situation he finds himself, with supporters against his appointment following Benitez’s exit, the need is greater.

He was the man in charge when Newcastle brought in Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximim and Emil Krafth, as well as bringing back the as-yet-unfit Andy Carroll to Tyneside, so he knows time is required to get them to gel and settle. Miguel Almiron is yet to find top gear since moving from Atlanta United in January either.

“Whatever league you are in, the manager always wants a decent start and not everyone can get it,” said Bruce. “We will get better as we go on. We have brought four or five in, who had only been here a week (before Norwich), so they need to get used to it and if we can settle down by getting a good result then that will help.

“For all of them to get out of the hotels, not just on the training ground, get used to being in the Premier League, helps. Coming from a different league, the more they are together the better they will become.”

Newcastle are looking for any little boost they can find at the moment and are keeping an eye on Saint-Maximim’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham.

The Frenchman is yet to train this week with the hamstring problem that made him miss the trip to Norwich and he is being carefully monitored on Tyneside.

He had had his own individual session this week to try to build up his fitness and he has not been ruled out of the Spurs game at this stage. If there is a chance that the problem will worsen then Bruce is mindful of risking him too soon.