Steve Bruce: Covid-hit clubs fielding youth teams ‘devalues the FA Cup’

Aston Villa and Derby have both indicated they will field youth teams in their matches against Liverpool and Chorley

Steve Bruce believes this season’s FA Cup is being devalued. Picture: Alex Pantling/PA

Steve Bruce says fielding youth teams in the FA Cup “devalues” the competition even in the midst of the coronavirus crisis – and has questioned the morality of continuing the season at all.

Despite his own squad still struggling with the aftermath of its own outbreak, the Newcastle boss is determined to name a strong line-up for Saturday’s third-round trip to Arsenal.