Newcastle United have now lost four of their last five matches across all competitions since returning from the October international break, with Monday's 1-0 defeat to Everton at St James' Park the latest setback.
But for a blistering 15-minute spell at the start of the second half of their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, it has been a bleak run for Matthias Jaissle's side that has seen them thrashed by Coventry, draw home blanks in 1-0 defeats to Aston Villa and against Everton, as well as falling to the Toffees in a 3-1 defeat in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Fans turn on struggling side
The results and performances are becoming alarming and Newcastle were booed off at both half-time and full-time on a miserable night at St James' Park as Thierno Barry's second-half strike proved to be the difference as Everton ran out 1-0 winners.
Jaissle desperately needs a spark to turn things around for his team that is visibly lacking confidence, inspiration and direction at the moment.
It feels perverse to pin the hopes of a rejuvenation on an 18-year-old midfielder but, right now, the performances of Sean Steur this season have been one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing season.
Steur's impact off the bench
So his continued absence from the starting XI since a brilliant performance in the September win over Hull has been puzzling. Jaissle has spoken about not putting too much pressure on the youngster but each time he pulls on the Newcastle shirt he looks at home.
He tries to make things happen on the ball, he is positive in possession and if he makes a mistake he is undeterred to try it again. That has made him popular on the terraces and as Nico Gonzalez struggled physically to make an impact in midfield, again, it was telling that Steur's introduction brought a crowd that had succumbed to apathy back to life.
The Dutch under-21 international was greeted by a huge roar, followed by chants of 'Seany, Seany Steur, Seany Steur, Seany, Seany Steur' and he quickly set about trying to get Newcastle back in the game.
He didn't quite manage to do so but his endeavour was clear for everyone to see. Steur ended the game with Newcastle's most passes into the final third and he was not shying away from the ball in what was a difficult environment to play in.
Push for a starting spot at Fulham
That not only shows character but a maturity beyond his years. Newcastle travel to Fulham on Saturday desperately searching for something or someone to revive their fortunes. Steur is the only player showing evidence that he can and captain Dan Burn, speaking to Chronicle Live in the mixed zone on Monday, made it clear that his performances are a source of inspiration in a wounded dressing room.
No matter who drops out of the side for him, Jaissle cannot shy away from the decision any longer. Steur simply has to start for Newcastle on Saturday at Craven Cottage.
