Newcastle Under 23 manager Peter Beardsley believes that Matz Sels, Massadio Haidara and Sammy Ameobi are making a massive difference to his team.
All three former first team players have fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park for differing reasons but Beardsley was full of praise for the trio after they helped the Magpies beat West Ham Under 23s 3-2 to progress through to the quarter finals of the Premier League Cup. The Newcastle legend told the Chronicle:
“The quality of Sammy Ameobi and Massadio Haidara, who were involved in all three goals and then obviously having Matz Sels, made the difference. Those three make the difference at this level, with all due respect and for us to have those three was a massive plus for us.”
Ameobi scored twice in the win. The 24 year old returned from a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in January but has made just three substitute appearances since then.
Sels meanwhile has not played a first team game since late January in the 3-0 defeat to Oxford United in the FA Cup. The £4.5m summer signing has even struggled to make the bench in recent weeks with Rob Elliot being favoured by Rafa Benitez.
Haidara has continued to struggle with knee problems throughout the season but he has made two first team appearances, starting the FA Cup ties against Birmingham City and Oxford.
