Newcastle United youngster Sean Longstaff is set to be given his first-team debut, according to Chronicle Live.
The outlet claims that the 20-year-old could be given his senior debut by Rafael Benitez when The Magpies take on St. Patricks Athletic in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
The report reveals that the Toon are keen on improving the number of young players given first-team minutes, with Longstaff the latest to be given an opportunity to impress.
The goalscoring central midfielder spent last season on loan at League One outfit Blackpool, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists in 42 appearances for the third-tier side.
OPINION
Sean Longstaff is a talented midfielder who deserves to at least get the chance to impress, so it’s good that Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has recognised that and could be set to give him his debut this week. The goals and assists numbers that the 20-year-old produced on-loan in League One is impressive, which will not have gone unnoticed by club staff. If he performs well in his first-team audition, there’s no reason why the midfielder can’t be given a place in the senior squad next season. Fans want to see new exotic signings, but they also want local academy players being in and around the first-team squad. If funds are running low at St. James Park, there’s nothing wrong with Benitez using young players to boost the squad numbers, especially if they are as talented as Longstaff. After seeing him in action on Tuesday, Benitez will be able to decide the best course of action for the youngster.