STEVE Bruce has admitted he's enjoyed giving his young players game time over pre-season with Kell Watts making an impression on Newcastle's management.

Watts was on loan with League One Plymouth Argyle last season and featured 50 times for the club as they went on to finish 18th in the table. 

Newcastle have failed to make any signings over the summer with the suggestion that Bruce could be tempted by using Watts and a number of other younsgers by the time the season arrives. 

Bruce said: "Look they were delighted in there.

"I'm sure they will remember their debuts.

"Kell Watts is the one, I was privately very pleased with him after York, and he hasn't done himself any harm at Rotherham.

"He came on in the second half and I thought him and Paul Dummett looked at ease.

"You can see Kell has now played at EFL level and he has matured.

"It is difficult to make a decision after two or three weeks but he has been good to watch.

"It's been good to see the three lads on the pitch (Jack Young, Watts, Joe White) who will enjoy their moment.

"I know it's only a pre-season friendly but for them it's great to see them playing for their club."

While the trio have made progress on the pitch, Bruce was adament that he has to be patient with them and not thrown them in at the deep end. 

He added: "We have had to wait.

"With young 'uns what I have learned is you have to wait.

"He (Joe White) had a really positive start with us then he's grown."

Bruce then quipped: "It looks like he has been in a greenhouse for the last six months.

"For all of them it is great to see the young ones come through. Whether they can play in the Premier League? That is the big question.

"We hope so, that's for sure."

Newcastle's pursuit of Joe Willock is ongoing with the club's hierarchy pushing for an answer from Arsenal.