After yet another shambolic display against Chelsea at the weekend, it may be time for Steve McClaren (or whoever is in charge by the time the Stoke game arrives) to make some bold changes. Far too often this season the so-called big name players at the Magpies' disposal have underperformed and looked extremely lacklustre, and the management team could do a lot worse than to introduce some fresh blood into the side. Although the Premier League is an unforgiving league in which to learn your trade and the Under 21s aren't exactly setting their own league alight - they have one win in their last five - one thing that is clear is the youth players would offer a lot more heart and desire than is currently being shown by certain members of the senior squad. With 12 games left in which to save the season and the transfer window long gone, will the ace card come from Newcastle's lower ranks? Who would be worth a punt? Who would be able to stand among the men and be counted?
8. Callum Roberts
The 18-year-old forward burst onto the scene for the Under 21s after impressing for the Under 18s in the 2012/13 season while still at school, and the tricky front man has continued to impress after making the step up. After making his first-team debut over a year ago in the FA Cup, the teenager previously had an unsuccessful loan spell at Gateshead, but he has been on the fringes of the senior squad team recently. With an array of skills in his locker, Roberts' style of play has been likened to a certain Lionel Messi and the youngster has been on the scoresheet six times in his 12 appearances for United's second string this term.