but long-haul slog could have after-effects for Magpies

IT IS perhaps no surprise to those who watch Newcastle United regularly that Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti is leaning on Bruno Guimaraes as one of his most important players.

- By SEAN McCORMICK

After all, during his three-and-a-half years on Tyneside, he has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and captained the Magpies to their first major domestic trophy win in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup last season.

That form has seen him establish himself as a Brazil regular, too, and it has become clear that Ancelotti views him as a key player ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Guimaraes was the only outfield Brazil player to start both World Cup qualifiers last month and despite matches against South Korea and Japan in the Far East this month both being friendlies, the 27-year-old started both games again.