Chelsea boss Frank Lampard singled out Timo Werner for special praise after the German starred in his side’s 2-0 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Werner’s second-half surge over the halfway line set up his side’s second goal for Tammy Abraham after an early Federico Fernandez own goal had set the Blues on their way to a fifth straight win.

Lampard said: “He (Werner) had a couple of chances and some times it doesn’t go in for you, but I thought he was a real threat for us throughout.

“We were better in the second half and we went higher up the pitch and had some big moments, but unfortunately we couldn’t take one and Chelsea punished us with a poor goal that we gave away.

“I’m frustrated because we can’t get a result. I make no excuses but we’ve played three of the top six in the last few weeks. It’s been difficult but there was a lot to like about that second-half performance.”

Bruce revealed he had decided not to risk top scorer Callum Wilson due to recent hamstring issues, but hopes he will be back in the squad for the busy festive period.

“I couldn’t risk him today because of the risk of a hamstring and missing for the next six weeks,” said Bruce. “We’ve erred on the side of caution and we hope he’ll be available for us next week.

“One of the reasons why we bought him was to add some goals for us, which he’s obviously done, and we’ve now got two or three getting back to help that situation, and obviously Callum being one of them.”