Steve Bruce has called on Newcastle defender Danny Rose to be less harsh with his opinions

Steve Bruce has warned Danny Rose that he has to be careful with his opinions following the full-back's concerns over footballers returning to action amid the coronavirus.

The Newcastle United full-back on loan from Tottenham Hotspur claims he fears players are being treated like 'lab rats' as the Premier League pushes forward with experiments in a desperate bid to complete the season.

While claiming he would respect the wishes of players not comfortable with a return to football, he has admitted to discussions with Rose on trying to be 'less harsh' of the circumstances in his opinions.

'I said to Danny that he's entitled to his opinion, the 59-year-old claimed on Sky Sports.

'Maybe, he could be less harsh with his comments, but he's entitled to his opinion. I don't think there's been anybody more generous than Danny towards helping the NHS cause.

'He's got his opinions, but he's just got to be careful with them and which platforms he puts them on. If a player came to me, or a member of staff, and had their reservations, then you have to respect them.'

Premier League clubs have resumed training up and down the country as part of Project Restart that could see the return of Premier League football on June 12.