Aladji Bamba made his France under-21 debut on Tuesday, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over Estonia at the Parnu Rannastaadion. It was the first time this season the 20-year-old midfielder has completed a full competitive fixture since his £34.5m move from Monaco in July.
Bamba, who has featured for just 27 minutes across three appearances for Newcastle United this season, was an unused substitute in Friday's 1-1 draw with Iceland U21s. Against Estonia, he created the opening goal for Cercle Brugge's Steve Ngoura, picking up Jean-Matteo Bahoya's cross from the right, dribbling between two defenders, and slipping the ball to Ngoura to put Gerald Baticle's side in front. Bahoya then sealed the win with a goal of his own.
Double boost for Newcastle
The match provided a double boost for Newcastle as goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who has missed the last four Magpies matches through injury, played the full 90 minutes in both France matches. France now need just a point in Saturday's home clash with Luxembourg to book their place at next summer's under-21 European Championships in Albania and Serbia.
Bamba and Jaouen will both hope to feature again at Lorient's Stade du Moustoir before returning to Tyneside, where they will look to force their way into Matthias Jaissle's plans for the trip to Coventry City on Monday, October 12.
Jaissle on Bamba's adaptation
When questioned about the lack of football afforded to Bamba and fellow summer signing Bazoumana Toure, Jaissle said after the 2-1 win over Hull City: "As a coach, it is not easy to make decisions even if you have many injuries, but the lads in those positions did an exceptional job.
"Sean Steur was praised by your colleagues (journalists), and that could have been the position for AB today."
"These young lads (Toure and Bamba) have just joined the club, and they are adapting to the physicality and the needs of the Premier League. It is something different compared to where they came from."
