Steve Bruce was left red-faced on Friday as he accidentally claimed that former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dwight Yorke could give his side a boost in the coming weeks.

The Newcastle boss was being quizzed about his failure to bring in any goalscorers during the January transfer window.

He responded by reminding those at the press conference that three forwards were nearing a return to full fitness.

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Steve Bruce accidentally stated that 48-year-old Dwight Yorke was a striker option for his team

However, one of the three names certainly raised a few eyebrows, largely because he is 48 years old and retired 11 years ago.

'Look, I started off the season with what we've got,' Bruce said. 'I know in two weeks, probably for the Arsenal game (on Sunday 16 February), we will have Andy Carroll, Dwight Yorke and Muto all available.'

The Magpies manager, who had clearly meant to say Dwight Gayle, didn't pick up on his slip of the tongue, instead continuing to discuss the team's problems going forward.

Former striker Yorke retired from professional football back in 2009 is now 48 years old

'I think if you look through our whole front line, we haven't scored enough at the top end of the pitch. We understand that.

'But you know, that has been the case since the beginning of August. So you know, I don't think there was out there, somebody who would realistically make us any better (up front).

'So if they aren't better than what we have got, what is the point?'

Gayle has been repeatedly linked with a £15m move to promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest.