The Newcastle teenager was one of the positives from Saturday’s pre-season defeat.
Newcastle United suffered another pre-season defeat on Saturday but some fans have managed to take some positives away from the encounter with Preston North End.
Two penalties from Paul Gallagher secured a 2-1 victory for the home side, overcoming a Magpies lead that resulted from Jonjo Shelvey’s long range free-kick.
Steve Bruce opted to field radically different lineups in each half as the squad continue to build fitness ahead of the new English Premier League season.
One of the players who started the first 45 minutes was youngster Matty Longstaff, replaced by his brother Sean at half-time.
Deployed alongside Shelvey and Isaac Hayden at Deepdale, he was a vibrant presence in the middle of the park. Despite starting his first ever match for the club, he wasn’t lacking in confidence either.
Decisions will now need to be made on his role in the squad ahead of the coming season.
He could well be the latest Longstaff to make a push for competitive first-team action, but if he is not going to be exposed to top-flight or cup football, then perhaps a loan move is the best thing for his development.
Still just 19, there’s plenty of time for him to make an impact at St James’ Park, but a loan could help him cope better with first-team pressures upon his return.
Sean, 21, has blazed a trail in the senior side in 2019 though, showing what youth and fresh ideas can bring to Newcastle.
Some fans are certainly pleased with the progress of Matty, taking to Twitter this weekend to share their thoughts…
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