Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Siem de Jong disappointment after asking to play for reserves

8 years ago
Share

It was a largely anonymous night for Siem de Jong after he asked Steve McClaren if he could play for the reserves to show his fitness and readiness for first team duty.

He did get through the 90 minutes but against poor opposition the Dutch international didn’t really show anything to suggest he can be a factor in the upcoming vital Premier League matches.

Still looking as though he is missing that turn of pace/change of gear necessary at the top level, Siem de Jong showed a few touches but was a largely peripheral figure.

Only 909 committed black and whites made their way to watch a strong looking line-up on a foggy Tyneside night.

As well as Siem de Jong, there were a number of other players with Premier League experience, as Ivan Toney, Massadio Haidara, Jamaal Lascelles and Kevin Mbabu all made the starting eleven.

Also making the news was 18 year old keeper Freddie Woodman, the young keeper playing despite appearing to be the only ‘senior’ goalkeeper currently available.

A poor first half saw little of note to report, apart from sadly yet another injury, the ever fragile Massadio Haidara going to ground with no other players close, as he stretched for the ball.

Kevin Mbabu was also forced off with a knock just before the hour mark, as the substitutions/injuries racked up apart from chances and goals.

That almost changed when Siem de Jong got onto the end of a Callum Roberts free-kick, only to see his close range effort blocked by the visiting keeper.

The Dutchman was involved in the goal that did eventually arrive with just over 10 minutes remaining, Siem de Jong playing Ivan Toney in and the young striker squaring it for Callum Roberts to open the scoring.

With five minutes left on the clock the dose was repeated, Ivan Toney showing great skill to beat his man and hand another easy chance for Callum Roberts to once again finish for his second goal.

Amongst the watching fans was Rolando Aarons, seen wearing a protective boot on his right foot after a reported training ground injury.

Newcastle United Under 21s 2 Aston Villa Under 21s 0

Newcastle United: Woodman, Mbabu (Ward 59), Haidara (Gibson 33), Barlaser, Lascelles, Satka (Williams 46), Smith, Sterry, Toney, De Jong, Roberts.

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks