Newcastle United take on Bristol City in their third pre-season match on Wednesday evening, and a forgotten signing from the Paul Mitchell era may be in line for a surprise audition. Serbian defender Miodrag Pivas, 21, has impressed in limited minutes so far this summer and could feature again at Ashton Gate.
Opportunity opens up in defence
With Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw still recovering from international duty, Sven Botman nursing a facial injury, and Fabian Schar managing his minutes, Newcastle have been short of senior centre-backs in pre-season. That has given young defenders like Alex Murphy and Pivas a chance. Pivas played 31 minutes against Gateshead on Saturday after replacing Schar, having already played 45 minutes behind closed doors against Darlington nine days ago.
Pivas's journey to Newcastle
Pivas joined Newcastle two years ago from Serbian side FK Jedinstvo Ub, becoming one of the few signings during Paul Mitchell's tenure as sporting director. He spent last season on loan at Dutch club Willem II, making just seven appearances, before returning to Tyneside to become a regular for the under-21 side. Former CEO Darren Eales described him at the time as 'a promising talent with high potential' who could become a 'first team player of the future'.
Potential role against Bristol City
Botman's fitness for Wednesday's trip is uncertain, while Burn remains away and Thiaw returned to training on Monday after his World Cup exploits and may have his minutes managed. That could leave Pivas in line for another opportunity against Championship opponents. With two years into his Newcastle journey, this pre-season could be a make-or-break moment for the young Serb to realise his potential on Tyneside.
