Newcastle United: 7 Exciting Youth Prospects

6. Shane Ferguson

Much debating has been done, at least online, about which position is best for Shane Ferguson; the Northern Irishman can play anywhere on the left with Pardew preferring a more attacking role which allows him to showcase his ferocious pace. He impressed towards the end of the 2010-2011 season and was rewarded with a 5-year contract but like other youth talents at Newcastle suffered a succession of injuries which blighted his progress. The signing of Davide Santon last summer may also have set back Ferguson€™s efforts for consistent first team football as the pair are both far too offensively-minded to be played together. Still, he did manage to make a few impact substitutions last season, most notably against Swansea and Bolton where the team looked rather sluggish and lethargic and his introduction to the left of midfield gave the attack, and the team, a shot in the arm. Capped at every youth level for Northern Ireland and now a first team regular much is expected of Ferguson for both club and country and this season could be a crucial one for his development on Tyneside.