Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark were the stars for the visiting Toon, who carried little threat in attack without Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson or Miguel Almiron.

This will be seen as a better result for Newcastle than West Brom as the gap between the two clubs remains at nine points and Sam Allardyce’s side are eight points from safety.

Bruce would have wanted a reaction from his players after a turbulent week and they started with good intent. Joelinton had an effort blocked after a clever break by Ryan Fraser before a goal-saving tackle by Darnell Furlong denied Fraser a tap-in.

West Brom settled as the half wore on with Conor Townsend proving a good outlet from the left. His cross produced the best chance of the half but Diagne’s clever header was palmed around the post by Martin Dubravka.