Report shares what Newcastle United are planning for Freddie Woodman in January

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Freddie Woodman still hasn’t made his Newcastle debut but will be given the chance to shine in the Football League.

Freddie Woodman may have to wait a little longer to get his chance at Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old stands as one of the most highly rated goalkeeping talents in English football. And he did his reputation no harm when playing a starring role as England’s Under-20s lifted the World Cup this summer, saving a penalty in the 1-0 final victory over Venezuela.

So far, however, Woodman has been left waiting in the wings at Newcastle. The former Crystal Palace youngster is yet to make his senior debut for The Magpies, meaning his only senior club appearances have come during loan spells at Crawley Town and Kilmarnock.

But, according to The Chronicle, Woodman will be handed the chance to get some vital first-team minutes under his belt in the second half of this season.

The report claims that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez wants a new senior goalkeeper in January and will loan out Woodman to an EFL club in order to make space. Woodman is also understood to have been told by the FA that he needs regular first-team football in order to be considered for England’s Under-21 side.

So a short-term departure makes perfect sense. Woodman may be hugely talented but, at the age of just 20, it is understandable that Benitez would be a little wary about throwing him into the deep end.

But a six-month loan to a club lower down the footballing pyramid should, in theory, give Woodman the chance to mature and develop his game in an unforgiving environment.