9 Newcastle Players Who Are Fighting For Their Toon Futures

4) Mehdi Abeid

Despite a series of strong performances last season, Abeid just cannot seem to get a run of games on Tyneside. The Algerian was incredibly close to joining former loan club Panathinaikos last summer but after a deal fell through, he showed toughness in the middle of the midfield reminiscent of the early Cheick Tiote days. His inclusion in the team frees up Jack Colback and his willingness to throw himself into a tackle while distributing the ball simply enough should see him as a valuable squad player. For whatever reason, however, he was rarely utilised regularly under Alan Pardew and John Carver, while injuries have also hampered him. With the future of Tiote very much up in the air, the 22-year-old will be looking for a fresh opportunity to impress and win the role as the side's deeper midfielder, sitting in front of the back four. Current likelihood of coming back: 5/10Recommendation: While Abeid has shown enough to be considered a starter in his own right, McClaren's past with Tiote at FC Twente between 2008 and 2010 may see the Ivorian snatch the spot away. If Abeid is to give himself the best chance of getting into the team, he needs to offer more than his Ivorian teammate. Abeid plays simple passes in possession but his lack of expansive play can limit his use in the team - similar to Tiote - while he can also be profligate with the ball. If he really wants to establish himself week in, week out, he needs to be more than just a destroyer. Cheick Tiote has seen his stock fall with the fans because, in addition to questions over his attitude, he contributes nothing going forward. Abeid's passing is already better than Tiote's - if he can add a bit more range to it though, he can lock down his spot in the engine room alongside Colback and Moussa Sissoko.