OPINION
Newcastle United have had a terrible record of bringing homegrown talent through the youth ranks and into the first team – so could this be the season where they finally find someone to end that?
The last player to make the step up and stay among the starting XI was left back Paul Dummett – who is still first choice at St James’ Park – with the likes of Sammy Ameobi and Adam Armstrong falling by the wayside in recent years.
However, it seems that manager Rafael Benitez has found a couple of fledgling talents who he has faith in, and with the under-23 side impressing this season, there could be a handful of rewards handed out in the shape of first team outings.
One man who has caught they eye has been Elias Sorensen with the Swedish striker in sublime form for the reserves, but while he is not going to make the squad against Bournemouth on Saturday after playing for the reserves on Friday, there was one name missing from the official team sheet which suggests a first team shot.
#NUFC Under-23s team v @SouthamptonFC: Harker; M. Longstaff, O'Connor, Watts, Walters; Bailey, Sangare; Allan, Roberts, Wilson; Sørensen.
Substitutes: Brown, Gibson, Longelo, Juanito, Toure. Kick-off at Staplewood is at 7pm. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/5YI7Q8Ffpu
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 9, 2018
That man is 21-year-old midfielder Sean Longstaff, who has already been sighted on rare occasions in the senior squad this season, and after six weeks out, having been an unused substitute against Leicester City, he looks destined to return against Bournemouth.
Being left out of the under-23s clash against Southampon can only mean that Benitez needs him against the Cherries and with Jonjo Shelvey ruled out of the clash, he is likely to step into the void on the bench as Ki Seung-Yung takes the starting role.
Longstaff has one cup appearance to his name this season but it must only be a matter of time until he makes a Premier League appearance.