STEVE BRUCE has conducted a Sunday-morning debrief with his players in the wake of yesterday’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Despite the Newcastle squad only having returned from London yesterday morning, Bruce instructed his players to report to the training ground this morning.

The Magpies manager is keen to sift through the wreckage of his side’s latest defeat as quickly as possible before turning his attentions to Saturday’s home game with Burnley.

Bruce has hinted he might look to change both tactics and personnel at the weekend, with his side having failed to score for the third successive league game yesterday.

Speaking in the aftermath of his side’s 1-0 loss, he said: “Our big Achilles heel is blatantly obvious. We gave the ball away in good areas so cheaply, especially in the last third. We get so far, and unfortunately it breaks down too often, too cheaply.

“We never asked their defenders to defend properly, and their goalkeeper to make a save, so maybe it’s time for change. Maybe it’s time we try something different, to have a look at.”

Jonjo Shelvey was due to train today, and the midfielder will hope to put himself in contention for a starting spot against Burnley.

Shelvey has been sidelined with a muscular injury since the home win over Chelsea in the middle of last month.