Newcastle United's pre-season schedule has been finalized, and manager Eddie Howe is set to give 11 youngsters a chance to impress as senior players are away at the World Cup or sidelined with injuries. Among those in line for opportunities is 17-year-old Matheos Ferreira, who scored a hat-trick in an FA Youth Cup win over Portsmouth last season.
Pre-season fixtures and senior absences
The Magpies return to the KNOX training centre on Monday, July 13, followed by a behind-closed-doors friendly against Darlington on July 18. A week later, they face Gateshead at Gateshead International Stadium, then travel to Bristol City at Ashton Gate on July 29. A warm-weather training camp in La Manga, Spain, culminates in a clash with Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on August 8. Newcastle then face Everton at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on August 12, before a home friendly at St James' Park on the weekend of August 15.
Six Newcastle players are competing in the World Cup, and Howe confirmed they will receive three weeks off after their nation exits the tournament. Additionally, Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley are nursing injuries, opening the door for young talent to shine.
Key youngsters to watch
Sean Neave, 19, made his Champions League and Premier League debuts last season and has outgrown under-21s football. With Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa at the World Cup, Neave is expected to stake his claim early in pre-season.
Leo Shahar, a 19-year-old right-back, debuted in the Champions League win over Qarabag. With Livramento and Miley injured, and Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth departed, Shahar is currently the best available right-back for Howe.
Rory Finneran, 18, impressed at under-21 and under-18 levels and made his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland in a 5-0 win over Grenada in May. He is ready to step up with Bruno Guimaraes at the World Cup and uncertainty over Sandro Tonali's future.
Sam Alabi, 16, was named on the bench for Newcastle's Champions League defeat to Marseille and FA Cup win over Bournemouth last season. He joined from Oldham Athletic at age 13 and turns 17 next month.
Aidan Harris, 19, spent the second half of last season training with the first team after a loan at Coleraine. With Aaron Ramsdale and John Ruddy departed, he is expected to start pre-season in the senior goalkeeping group alongside Nick Pope, Ewen Jaouen, and Mark Gillespie.
Isaac Moran transitioned from midfielder to centre-half at youth level and trained with the first team ahead of their Champions League clash against Barcelona. With Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw at the World Cup, Moran could fill gaps at centre-half.
Park Seung-soo made a huge impact in pre-season last summer after moving from Suwon Bluewings and was on the bench for the opening day draw against Aston Villa. He continues to develop at under-21 level and is in line to impress on the wing with Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga at the World Cup.
Mason Miley, younger brother of Lewis Miley, is in discussions for his first professional contract. A midfielder who can also play right-back, his versatility is appealing to Howe.
Anthony Munda, 19, has impressed at youth level and attracted interest from League One and League Two clubs. He could showcase his abilities in midfield in the absence of Guimaraes and Miley.
Matheos Ferreira, 17, scored a hat-trick in an FA Youth Cup win over Portsmouth and has continued his goalscoring form at under-21 level. He is eligible for England, Brazil, and Italy.
Michael Mills, 17, scored twice in that same Portsmouth win and is highly rated as an England youth international. He could offer a solution out wide if Gordon's replacement is not signed and in Elanga's absence.
