With available options rather light on the ground for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez ahead of tonight’s FA Cup clash with Birmingham City to say the least, perhaps it affords the chance for a number of burgeoning talents to stake a claim in the first-team.
The Magpies are currently entrenched in somewhat of an injury crisis following their tough win over Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday, the Chronicle has revealed some unfamiliar faces have been involved in first-team training in the buildup for the visit of Gianfranco Zola’s Blues.
One of the names thought to be involved of late is Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, who arrived this summer after finding fame as the ‘Non-league Riyad Mahrez’ following stints with Barnet, Aldershot Town, Farnborough and Lewes.
Having taught tricks to Barcelona and Brazil superstar Neymar, there was a video circulating of him showcasing his skills doing the rounds earlier this season.
Could we see these flicks and tricks against the Blues? Perhaps they could be the source of some much-needed creativity amongst the Toon’s ranks.
