Newcastle boss Steve Bruce insists his training-ground bust-up with Matt Ritchie has been forgotten

Steve Bruce says his training-ground bust-up with Matt Ritchie is forgotten about after the winger returned to the Newcastle side and played a part in both goals during the 2-2 draw with Spurs.

Ritchie had not featured at all following the showdown in which he called Bruce a coward last month, causing the manager to physically confront him.

But the 31-year-old was instrumental in claiming the point that takes Bruce’s side three clear of the relegation zone after starting for the first time since January.

‘I had a row with somebody, it’s nothing,’ said Bruce. ‘I never hold a grudge. It was forgotten the next day and we move forward.

‘He’s had to wait for his opportunity and he put in a good performance that I’m pleased about.’

Newcastle are still without a win in seven matches but Bruce believes the improved performance is a sign that the players are fighting to stay in the division.

‘There’s still a lot of football to be played, but if we stay at that level, I’ll be convinced we’ll be okay,’ he added.

‘I thought our performance was enough to win the match. That is as good as we’ve played for a long time.’

Supporters have called for Bruce to leave the club in recent weeks, but he said: ‘Whatever I try to do at the moment, unless I get results, I will get criticised.

‘The big thing that frustrates us all, a so-called mole in the dressing-room, certain players unhappy, blah, blah, blah, the spirt isn’t good, that nonsense.

‘There is a spirit amongst them that they need to have. They have to be at full tilt to get something. They are a really good group that want the club to succeed.’