Steve Harper wants to see Newcastle youngster handed debut

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Newcastle face Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has urged Rafa Benitez to hand goalkeeper Freddie Woodman his debut against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Toon face League Two table toppers Luton in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend, with the Hatters likely to be optimistic of producing a giant killing after winning eight of their last 10 outings.

Benitez is expected to make changes to his side as he looks to rest his first-team stars with a huge clash against relegation rivals Swansea City on January 13.

Harper has urged Benitez to make one of those changes between the sticks by handing 20-year-old stopper Woodman his debut, following the youngster’s heroics in South Korea during the summer as England Under-20’s goalkeeper.

Woodman was a crucial part of the Young Lions triumph that saw Paul Simpson’s side beat Venezuela in the World Cup final 1-0 thanks to a Dom Calvert-Lewin goal that saw Lewis Cook hold aloft the trophy.

He is yet to make his first-team debut for the Magpies, but did shine on loan with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock last season which saw him concede just 16 goals in 15 games for Killie and keep four clean sheets.

It remains to be seen who Benitez will field against Luton, with Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow also vying for a place between the sticks come Saturday afternoon.