The Newcastle United players got some much needed action under their belts.
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has been caught on camera watching the club’s under-23 side take on their West Bromwich Albion counterparts this week.
While managers often cast their eye over their club’s next generation, Benitez will have been paying special attention to the encounter as three first-team players got run-outs in the form of Daryl Murphy, Massadio Haidara and Achraf Lazaar.
Murphy scored for the Magpies in a 45-minute appearance and he will be hoping it is enough to earn him a place in Newcastle’s first-team squad despite the considerable strength in depth.
Haidara has been out all season with a knee injury so his appearance on Monday will be a welcome sight for Benitez, who could do with having all his defensive options available over the busy festive period.
Fellow defender Lazaar has struggled for game-time since arriving at St. James’ Park but he will know the importance of being patient and waiting to add to his two appearances so far.
The image of Benitez was posted on Newcastle Managing Editor Dan King’s official Twitter account during the clash.
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