Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey has claimed that Steve Bruce just doesn't get the credit he deserves at St James' Park.

The Magpies have endured a mixed start to the season, with a couple of impressive wins against the likes of West Ham and Burnley arguably undone by some timid defeats to Brighton and Manchester United.

Despite that, Howey believes that Bruce is managing under a 'lose-lose' situation, and that when compared to former manager Rafa Benitez, he's done a very reasonable job.

When asked whether he gets enough credit for how he's doing on Tyneside, Howey remarked: "No, I don't so. I think he's one of those managers where he's damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. Obviously there's criticism about the way that they play. For instance, you look at the last game against Manchester United.

"I felt as though if Newcastle had gotten at them, they could have been there for the taking given the fact of their last performance and how much they've been struggling defensively. He has got more points than Rafa did, but Rafa was kind of the hero.

"But unfortunately, it's one of these ones, where if they get a win, it's a lucky win. If they get beat, it's because he's useless. And I disagree with it. I think he's doing everything he can to try and get the team on the right path."

Whilst it's early days in the league table, and things should be taken with a pinch of salt, Newcastle are only three points behind last season's Premier League champions Liverpool, who lie in third at the moment.

The result and performance against United was particularly disappointing given as Howey himself says, the Red Devils looked there for the taking after their mauling at the hands of Tottenham.

Given that the summer just gone saw Bruce actually backed somewhat in the transfer market, the expectations have understandably gone up. The Newcastle boss is right under the cosh.