Steve Bruce believes only Allan Saint-Maximin could have made the impact that saw Newcastle come from behind to win at Burnley.

The winger has missed 13 of his side's 31 Premier League matches this season because of Covid-19 and, more recently, a groin complaint.

But he came off the bench at Turf Moor and within six minutes had created an equalising goal for Jacob Murphy and scored what proved to be the match-winner, easing his side's relegation fears after seven without victory.

'Probably only Allan could do that,' said Bruce. 'When you see him like that, you see what we've missed over the last few weeks and months. We've missed that bit of quality and excitement.

'All week we were questioning whether they (Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson) were ready. They've had big injuries. To keep them well is so important because we're a different animal if those two are in the team.

'Unfortunately, they haven't been in the team often enough. When you're a club in the bottom half of the division, you need your big players. It's not rocket science – you can see the difference he makes to the team.

'It's been a struggle without Saint-Maximin, because he can make things happen.'

Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, said he would have preferred to start the game after training for a third consecutive week.

'I feel really great,' he said. 'I was frustrated to be on the bench and we were losing 1-0. I said to the coach to give me 30 minutes to show me what I can do. I had to be ready.

'Everyone knows how important these games are. I give this win to the supporters. I am happy to score to help my team-mates. When you have been losing it is important to come back stronger.'

Burnley boss Sean Dyche confirmed that England goalkeeper Nick Pope - absent because of a shoulder injury - should be back for next weekend's trip to Manchester United.

He was disappointed with the outcome given his side's superiority prior to Saint-Maximin's introduction.

'We dominated a lot of it and their keeper made some good saves before half-time,' he said. That's football, you have to turn those key moments in your favour, and we needed that second goal.'