A DEJECTED Steve Bruce admits that any criticism levelled at him and his players is “fully justified” in the wake of Newcastle United’s limp Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brentford.

The Magpies had the chance to reach the League Cup semi-finals for the first time in 45 years last night, but despite taking on a Championship side featuring six changes, they were deservedly beaten in West London.

Josh Dasilva’s second-half strike condemned Newcastle to a 1-0 defeat, and ensured the wait for a first semi-final appearance under the stewardship of Mike Ashley would continue.

The cup exit sparked a furious reaction on social media, with a number of Newcastle supporters calling for Bruce’s dismissal in the wake of such a lifeless display in the last eight of a major cup competition.

Bruce’s position is not under threat with his side in 12th position in the Premier League, but with the next three matches pitting his side against Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester, the embattled Magpies boss understands the mounting frustration that is beginning to boil over.

“There’s nobody more disappointed than me with the way we performed,” said Bruce. “I’m as frustrated, disappointed and bitterly upset as the rest of the huge following that we have. I have to accept what’s coming our way and be ready for the challenge of it.

“The supporters want to see results, and they want to see their team play better than they did today, that’s for sure. I understand their disappointment because there’s nobody more disappointed than I am

“The supporters are entitled to their opinion. When they’re in the ground, that’s why they pay their hard-earned money. I can’t let that affect myself, but I understand the disappointment. I’m thoroughly disappointed, like thousands of others.

“I have to accept what’s coming my way is part and parcel of being the manager of Newcastle. The criticism is fully justified, as we shouldn’t be getting beat like that in the quarter-final of the cup, with an opportunity like we had to get to a semi-final.”

Newcastle finished last night’s game with four centre-forwards on the field, but still barely created a chance worthy of the description.

Ryan Fraser had a decent first-half effort tipped over the crossbar, but as was the case in their recent matches against Leeds United and Fulham, Newcastle’s attacking was laboured and ineffective as their players conceded possession cheaply on countless occasions.

“We were too slow in our possession and we didn’t do enough,” admitted Bruce. “We didn’t run forward enough, or cause them enough problems. Especially with the attacking players we had on the pitch and the line-up we had. Unfortunately, we’ve given up a wonderful opportunity.

“At the end of the day, we didn’t play well enough. We didn’t play the ball early enough forward, and we didn’t have enough forward-running players. Unfortunately, we’ve lost the game because of that.”

Things are hardly going to get any easier when Newcastle travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Boxing Day, before reigning champions Liverpool visit St James’ Park next Wednesday.

Bruce will be demanding a positive reaction from his players, although he admits some members of his squad are currently playing well below their best form.

“It is what is,” he said. “I’ve never going to flannel it up, but we hope we can get a few back, that would certainly help. It would have helped (last night) if I’d had another centre-half, then maybe I could have put Isaac (Hayden) into midfield.

“I think the players are playing for us, although maybe they’re not playing well enough at the moment. I certainly don’t think it’s through a lack of effort or determination, although I do think there’s a few of them not playing well enough at this particular time otherwise we wouldn’t have got beaten like we did.”

Bruce was without Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin last night after it was confirmed earlier this week that the duo are the two players struggling with the long-term effects of Covid.

Neither is expected to be available for the Manchester City game, although Lascelles could begin training later this week.

“There’s been a lot of hysteria over the two of them,” said Bruce, who has completely dismissed suggestions that he has had a falling-out with Saint-Maximin. “Look, it’s been confirmed that they’re not long-term Covid, but it’s obvious, and we’re going by doctors, that they need rest to recover.

“They’re not quite over the illness, unfortunately. So, we just have to bide some time and give them as much time as we can, but I can’t give you a specific date (for their return).”