OPINION
Newcastle United earned their first point of the season against Cardiff at the weekend, but there were several disappointing aspects of the Magpies’ performance which manager Rafa Benitez will be keen to address.
His main issue against the Bluebirds came at right-back, with Javier Manquillo replacing the injured DeAndre Yedlin but putting in a poor first-half display before going off injured.
His replacement Isaac Hayden fared no better and ended up being sent off on 66 minutes for a rash sliding challenge, leaving the Toon with ten men for much of the second half.
The good news for Benitez is that Yedlin is looking good for a return against Chelsea this weekend, but those concerns about depth still remain with Manquillo injured and Hayden suspended.
One player who is an option is academy star Jamie Sterry, with the 22-year-old playing a huge part in the Under-23s’ thumping 5-0 win over Sunderland on Monday evening.
Sterry has now expressed his disappointment at not being included in the matchday squad against Cardiff, and reiterated his determination to break through this season.
Speaking to the club website, he said: “I feel like I’m good enough and last weekend I felt like I could have had a chance, so it was a bit disappointing. But you’ve got to keep your mental strength really high and try to be positive about it.
“All I can do is give 100 per cent, and I asked to play in the game because I want to play football and show everyone what I can do.”
Sterry’s disappointment is clear to see, but it is his comments on determination which impress the most, and Benitez must hand him a chance in the first-team squad very soon.
His shortage of options at right-back may leave him with no choice anyway, but it is obvious that Sterry is raring to go and keen to show what he can do on a bigger stage.
Anyone watching the Under-23s win over Sunderland could see that the flyer is ready for a step up to first-team football, and remaining with the academy for much longer will damage his development.
With Hayden and Manquillo out, Sterry should come into the squad for their clash with Chelsea this weekend, and if not, then very soon.
