6 Things We Learned From Newcastle U21s v Blackburn

4. Gael Bigirimana Doesn't Offer Enough In Midfield To Challenge The Disappointing Cheick Tiote

There is a first-team back-up spot available for anyone who wants to challenge Cheick Tiote, whose form has nosedived over the past year. Unfortunately, Gael Bigirimana who was one of the senior players who played on Monday night, struggled to read the pace of the game and was frequently careless in possession. The 21-year-old's development seems to have suffered during Alan Pardew's time at the club and unfortunately the midfielder - who offered such promise after signing from Coventry City in 2012 - showed no evidence that he could fill Jack Colback or Vurnon Anita's position should either of the pair get injured or suspended.