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Longstaff future almost guaranteed at Newcastle

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Image for Longstaff future almost guaranteed at Newcastle

OPINION

There has been little to celebrate at St James’ Park this season with Newcastle United fans forced to watch their side battle through another campaign with the threat of relegation looming large.

A summer of minimal spending means that the side remains very similar to the one who managed to pull off a minor-miracle and finish 10th last season and while the new signings have impressed on their day, the majority of results just have not gone Rafael Benitez’s way.

However, one shining light – which is so bright he could well blind the Toon Army if they look at him for too long – has been midfield maestro Sean Longstaff, the Geordie faithful head over heels for a man who is one of them.

The youth graduate’s performances in the middle of the field have been outstanding and he looks right at home in the Premier League – his place in the starting XI enforced due to a lack of alternative options.

However, with the likes of Mohamed Diame, Seung-yung Ki and Jonjo Shelvey all edging towards a return at the same time, Longstaff and midfield partner Isaac Hayden’s places in the starting XI are looking under threat – which is why cult Toon Army hero Lee Clark’s claim will have the fans delighted.

Speaking of Longstaff, Clark told the Chronicle: “He’s a midfield player who can also break lines, can break beyond your striker. He’s a very good finisher for a midfield player and can get you between five and 10 goals a season.”

Now this is a Longstaff that the Newcastle faithful have not seen – primarily because he has been used in a much deeper role – and so the prospect of him moving up the pitch and scoring goals should have supporters rubbing their hands in glee.

Not only that but it means that Diame, Shelvey and/or Ki can return to the starting XI and the homegrown star can still find a place to play, perhaps sharing duties with the likes of Ayoze Perez and Miguel Almiron.

Either way, Benitez has not had the chance to show what Longstaff was known for at his loan sides – and the prospect of more opportunities in the first team will have both player and supporters delighted.

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