Newcastle United's Under-21 side put in an impressive display at St James' Park as they dispatched Blackburn Rovers 4-2 - with striker Adam Armstrong grabbing two of the home side's goals. The victory on Tuesday night, supplemented by strikes from Callum Roberts and Olivier Kemen, gave Peter Beardsley's youth side their second victory in three matches - a record the Newcastle first team could only dream of right now. John Carver's men have lost eight Premier League matches in succession, conceding 18 goals in the process, and sit just two points and three places above the relegation zone with three games remaining. With Newcastle suffering a defensive crisis - with both Mike Williamson and Daryl Janmaat's red cards resulting in suspensions, and Paul Dummett a doubt for this weekend through injury - did any of the four defenders on display look ready for a first-team call-up? The Magpies host Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, knowing they will face an aerial bombardment from set pieces - and yet they could potentially only have one senior defender, captain Fabricio Coloccini, available for selection. So of the four youngsters who played in defence for the Newcastle United Under-21s against Blackburn Rovers, how did they fare? And who looks ready for the first team? Who could potentially be thrust into Premier League action against West Brom? For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
