Newcastle United duo Sean Longstaff and Jamie Sterry received some kind words from their manager after the cup defeat.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez praised young pair Sean Longstaff and Jamie Sterry for their performances despite the defeat to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 away loss against Championship opponents, which means they Magpies’ wait for a trophy goes on.
Benitez opted to hand midfielder Longstaff his first-team debut in the cup tie, while inexperienced right-back Sterry also featured in the starting XI.
There will be a lot of negativity surrounding St James’ Park after the loss, but supporters did get to see two upcoming talents in action at senior level.
Benitez credited the two academy graduates for their efforts against Forest.
“I think they (Longstaff and Sterry) did well. You can’t expect young players to make the difference but what I told them is they have to work really hard because it’s what the fans are expecting. They did it,” Benitez said, as quoted by the Chronicle.
Longstaff, 20, came into the heart of the midfield for the Premier League outfit and had summer signing Ki Sung-yueng alongside him.
He showed some good maturity in difficult circumstances against Forest by looking strong in possession, which is why he could be a real contender for more senior appearances later in the season.
Meanwhile, right-back Sterry was part of a back four that looked vulnerable, but he definitely has potential after making just his sixth appearance for Newcastle.
The 22-year-old tried to support the attack when he could and may be the perfect understudy to DeAndre Yedlin in the first team.
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