Rafael Benitez hints at Newcastle United starting roles for Jamie Sterry and Sean Longstaff

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Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United side are set to take on Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup this evening.

Rafael Benitez has admitted to the Chronicle that Newcastle United youngsters Jamie Sterry and Sean Longstaff have impressed him in training.

Newcastle have called Sterry and Longstaff into first-team training after the duo both enjoyed impressive pre-seasons.

And the young pair are now set to be handed chances in the senior squad later this evening when Newcastle take on Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

“Normally, training with us are Longstaff and Sterry. I think that they will have a chance to play,” Benitez said.

“I like to coach players and to improve players, so when you have young players and they listen to you, then you can see that they are progressing.

“How much they progress, it depends on the level of each one, but these two lads are always ready, listening and trying to do whatever you say, so we will see and hopefully they can do well.”

Longstaff was set for a loan move away from Newcastle this season, but Benitez changed his mind after being impressed by the central midfielder in pre-season.

Longstaff has not troubled Newcastle’s starting line-up in the Premier League yet, but could have his chance to prove a point this evening.

The Magpies are still looking for their first win of the season, meaning there are places up for grabs.

Forest remain unbeaten in competitive action so far this term though, so the challenge that awaits Newcastle is a tough one, even if they do head into the tie as favourites.