Jamie Sterry performed well for the Under 23s against Sunderland last night as we thrashed the Black Cats 5-0 in the Premier League 2 fixture.
Sky Sports presenter and Magpies fan Pete Graves then tweeted his backing for the 22-year-old to be given his shot in the first team by Rafa Benitez:
This lad can't be far off the first team surely? Breakthrough season? Be great to get another local lad in the X1. @PaulDummett has come on leaps and bounds under Rafa. #nufc https://t.co/rB46zZH9Ml
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) August 21, 2018
It’s unlikely that his breakthrough will come this season. He is expected to be sent out on loan before the end of the month with the manager confirming the full-back’s likely departure at the weekend, along with two other players:
“We can allow Jamie Sterry out on loan because he has to play. We can allow Rolando Aarons out on loan. Cal Roberts too. The players that will not play too many minutes and be on the bench.”
Considering the lack of right-back options, it’s surprising that Rafa doesn’t deem the local lad to be ready for the first team. Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin are the club’s two senior right backs but both have injury concerns.
The Spaniard had to be taken off against Cardiff due to an ankle injury but the problem isn’t believed to be serious. His American team-mate is also expected to return to action pretty swiftly despite sustaining a knee injury against Spurs on the opening day.