Newcastle United defender Leo Shahar has a chance to stake his claim for a first-team place during pre-season, as the club's only current option at right-back. The 19-year-old started in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Darlington, which Newcastle won 3-0, and could feature again when the Magpies face Gateshead on Saturday.
Right-back shortage opens door
Tino Livramento is working his way back from a calf injury sustained on England duty, while Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Harrison Ashby have all left the club this summer. That leaves Shahar as the sole natural right-back in the squad. Newcastle are reportedly looking to sign a full-back capable of playing on both flanks, but while they await a transfer breakthrough, Shahar is set to be given the green light to showcase his abilities.
Shahar joined Newcastle from Wolverhampton Wanderers two years ago and has impressed at under-18 and under-21 level. He made his first-team debut in a Champions League win over Qarabag at St James' Park last season and was named on the bench on 17 further occasions.
Howe's praise for versatility
Manager Eddie Howe has previously highlighted Shahar's versatility and potential. "Leo is another talented young player here," Howe told Chronicle Live in December. "I think he possesses the ability to play both sides so left-back and right-back, he's done both for us. He has trained with us intermittently for about a season depending on our numbers. He is an England youth international, highly rated, really good athletically so he is in and around it and he is someone we would certainly trust having trained with us for a long period of time."
Newcastle's pre-season continues with the trip to Gateshead, followed by matches against Bristol City, Valencia, Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg before the new campaign begins.
