With a wealth of injuries afoot on Tyneside, Rafa Benitez has handed THREE Newcastle United youngsters their debuts tonight as Birmingham City visit in the 3rd of the FA Cup.
The Spanish coach has included Stuart Findlay, Dan Barlaser and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni in his starting eleven tonight as the Blues roll into town, following knocks picked by Isaac Hayden, Vurnon Anita and Dwight Gayle during the win at Brentford on the weekend.
While it’s a largely inexperienced side, it’s also hugely exciting to see three talented youngsters make a breakthrough while the more seasoned professionals are out of action.
Elsewhere, Cheick Tiote makes what is probably his last appearance in black and white as he closes in on a move away from Tyneside and partners the returning Jonjo Shelvey. The England international has completed his five-game ban and his presence in midfield is a much-needed one for Benitez.
Rob Elliot also makes a return to the bench after his nightmare few months with injury, much to the delight of the Toon Army.
With so much going tonight, here’s how Twitter reacted to Benitez’s shock XI.
Buzzing for the three #NUFC players making their debuts tonight. Good luck lads
— Minty (@minty_9) January 18, 2017
Young guns time to shine #NUFC https://t.co/gaf5xABJ1n
— Adam Dobson (@Adamdobson1Adam) January 18, 2017
3 lads making their debut tonight best of luck to them, hope they all do well, howay the lads #nufc
— Jonathan Greenwood (@JonathanCWG) January 18, 2017
Been waiting to see @Yass_maestro in action for #nufc but the game isn't on TV so I'll have to hear about him on the radio
— The plastic Geordie (@alex_nufc_7) January 18, 2017
Tiote and El Mhanni starting. Bloody buzzing
— ToonDeepDive (@ToonDeepDive) January 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/NewcastleGoals/status/821792061028503552
Worst thing about it? Can't watch the younguns on TV. #NUFC
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) January 18, 2017
