Newcastle United's 3-1 pre-season defeat to Everton at Murrayfield Stadium on Wednesday carried a telling moment away from the cameras. Goals from Thierno Barry, Tyrique George and an Iliman Ndiaye penalty put Matthias Jaissle's side to the sword, despite a consolation strike from Harvey Barnes, offering a stark reminder of the challenges facing this young team in the Premier League this term.
Jaissle's gesture towards Shahar
Before the game, as Newcastle's players went through shooting drills, new head coach Matthias Jaissle emerged from the tunnel and walked into the Magpies' half to observe the warm-up. He sought out teenage right-back Leo Shahar and gave him a warm embrace ahead of a second successive start under the new manager.
Chronicle Live had been told Shahar impressed Jaissle during United's warm-weather training camp in La Manga last week. With Tino Livramento a doubt for the opening game of the season, there is a growing possibility Shahar could be handed a shock Premier League debut in their opener against Liverpool in 10 days' time.
Shahar's growing confidence
Shahar looked solid, just as he did in Valencia, and as the wait continues for United to sign a full-back, those inside St James' Park will be growing in confidence about the 19-year-old being ready to step up if required at the start of the Premier League campaign. The step up to Premier League level, especially against a team of Liverpool's calibre, is stark, and there are fears over the fact he only has one competitive appearance from the bench in a Champions League tie against Qarabag last season to call on.
But he should have quelled those fears with competent displays against Premier League opposition on Wednesday, having also done well against La Liga opposition in Valencia on Saturday. Ideally, Newcastle will have a new right-back in the building, and they remain interested in Benfica's Bosnian international Amar Dedic. Shahar could do with some regular senior football, too, having outgrown under-21 level.
Faith in youth
In the here and now, he is on standby for a big role against Liverpool next Sunday. Newcastle's trip to the home of Scottish rugby was another audition passed in that regard. Such is Jaissle's faith in youngsters, he lined up with a back four of Mason Miley, Henry Johnson, Miodrag Pivas and Dylan Charlton in the second half. It was born out of the necessity of Livramento, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn all being unavailable, but it is telling of a manager who isn't afraid to throw youngsters into the team.
Should a situation emerge where there isn't a senior right-back in the side ahead of next weekend's opener, Jaissle clearly won't hesitate throwing Shahar into the side.
