The Newcastle coaching staff are hoping that Rob Elliot will be fit to start the game at Bournemouth on Saturday but 18 year-old Freddie Woodman is standing by just in case and he could make his debut for Newcastle at the start of the game or at some time during the game.
In the same way Kevin Mbabu, who made his debut for Newcastle against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup when he came on for Daryl Janmaat in September, is also standing by with Daryl doubtful with that injured knee of his.
Kevin Mbabu – shown with a future Newcastle star
No – these aren´t the two youngsters on standby for Saturday
Kevin has played really well when he has played in the first team and he´s played in both full-back positions for us – so he´s a versatile player.
Kevin has been interviewed in the Chronicle today and this is what he said about his first team experiences this season:
“It was really good. The head coach gave me my chance and I took it.” “He was at the Under-21 game the other night again and the other players can show they deserve a chance as well.”
“This is always where I have wanted to be, in the first-team squad of a Premier League club.” “That’s what I am getting at the moment.”
“I am enjoying every day I spend with the first team.” “It has been a little bit crazy for me.” “I played three games, Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea and then Man City away.”
“I was injured at Man City. But I am fit again now.” “It is now my time to shine.” “I have had lots of injury worries in the past, and people weren’t too happy because I was always injured.”
“Now I think it is finally the time to show my value on the pitch.”
Mbabu got a run out for the Newcastle U21 side against Aston Villa on Monday night in the 2-0 win and he was taken off in the second half after being on the end of a heavy tackle – but he wasn´t injured and built up his match fitness for a possible appearance at Bournemouth.
Kevin is a bonus for Newcastle this season because he has shown he can play in either full-back position and it´s a pity he was injured when he was.
But he is now the backup to Daryl Janmaat at right back and the Swiss youth star will be pushing Paul Dummett for the left back position.
The more competition for places we have at Newcastle the better our players will tend to play – so that´s all good.
Kevin and Freddie will be getting themselves ready both mentally and physically for possible appearances on the south coast on Saturday.
Comments welcome.
1 comment so far
Jail for Ashley
Nov 5, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Comment #1Listening to young Jak Alwnick on the radio last night, seemed gutted that penny pinching prevented him from going on loan.