‘Steve Bruce is blessed’ – Exclusive: Paul Robinson raves over Newcastle defender in win v Palace | OneFootball

Paul Robinson has been left raving over the performance of Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune after his return to action against Crystal Palace.

The former Tottenham and Burnley goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says that he was mightily impressed with the Frenchman’s display during the 1-0 win at St James’ Park.

The 28-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes on Saturday in what was his first appearance of the season, a serious knee injury suffered back in April leaving him sidelined.

With Lejeune one of six centre-backs used by Bruce this season, Robinson says that the Newcastle boss is fortunate to have such quality at his disposal.

“Steve Bruce is blessed with centre-halves.” Robinson told Football Insider.

“He’s got some very, very good centre-halves, he’s got an abundance and Lejeune back in after injury as well.

“He played his first game of the season and he played the full 90 minutes as well. I thought he coped very well, played really well.”

Lejeune has suffered two serious injury blows during his time at St James’ Park, a cruciate ligament rupture meaning he did not play until January last season, turning out 13 times before he was struck down again.

As well as the Frenchman, Bruce played Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez against Palace, with Miguel Almiron scoring the all-important goal to seal the three points.

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett have also featured at the heart of the defence this season, the former currently ruled out until 2020 through injury.

In other Newcastle United news, a Football Insider pundit has admitted he has major doubts over a senior player giving rivals a “torrid time”.