The key quotes from Steve Bruce's post-Liverpool press conference

Steve Bruce hailed the 'attitude' and 'resilience' of his players after Joe Willock's 95th-minute strike meant that Newcastle United left Anfield with a point.

Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the advantage with a stunning finish just three minutes into the game – and The Reds went on to miss copious amounts of chances to kill the tie off well before the final knockings of the match.

The Magpies weathered the storm and thought they had equalised when Callum Wilson bundled the ball into the net in the 92nd-minute – but VAR ruled the goal out for a very dubious handball decision.

But Newcastle refused to lie down and got their leveller through Willock in the 95th-minute – his third goal in three straight appearances, a strike that leaves Bruce's side now nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Here are the most important responses The Toon boss made to the media in his pre-match press conference this afternoon:

Big players returning has boosted morale

One defeat in their last eight and an undefeated run against Tottenham, Burnley, West Ham and Liverpool – it has been some turnaround from Bruce and his players.

The Magpies head coach believes that having star players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson back at his disposal are one of the big factors as to why their form has picked up.

"We've only been beaten once in our last eight games.

"Our big players returning has given everyone a lift and there's always been an attitude and a resilience amongst them and that's pretty evident when you see the goals we've scored."

Wilson's ruled out goal a 'ridiculous decision'

VAR ruled out Callum Wilson's equaliser for a handball, despite the arm of the forward being down beside his body.

Bruce was devastated that the goal was ruled out – and believes that the video assistant referee is too microscopic with his decision-making.

"We were gutted and when you see the goal back you see it back you think 'what a ridiculous decision'.

"I think we're taking the letter of the law too literally because VAR was brought in for clear and obvious mistakes."

Willock's impact off the bench

The Arsenal loanee Willock is making quite the impression on Tyneside – with another huge goal today – added with his head coach being very vocal in midweek about wanting to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.

Bruce did say that the 21-year-old was 'devastated' to have found himself amongst the substitutes again today.

"That's his fourth goal and his third off the bench. He was devastated yesterday when I didn't pick him and even then he took an awful knock in training so he did well to even be on the bench.

"To come off it again and score - I was delighted for him."