4 NUFC Youngsters Who Could Step In During Defensive Crisis

4. Adam Laidler

The 18-year-old left-back (pictured above, centre) had a quiet if unspectacular game against Blackburn Rovers, but he certainly looks like he could be a player for the future. Having started his career as a left-winger, Laidler moved to left-back - and he loves to bomb forward and whip balls into the box, especially due to the fact he models himself on England and Everton star Leighton Baines. Laidler is still young and fairly slight of frame, and he is not yet considered ready for the first team. The least likely of the back four to feature during Newcastle's Premier League run-in, Laidler is considered a player for the future and not immediately - despite the left-back crisis at the club. He is reasonable on the ball and is certainly better going forward than defending. Verdict: The least likely of the four who appeared to make their way into the first-team squad before the season is out. This attacking full-back has a promising future, but he is certainly not ready for a Premier League relegation battle.