Harrison Ashby could feature for Newcastle United against West Ham United just days after leaving the London Stadium.
Ashby moved to St James' Park on transfer deadline day (January 31) for a fee of £3million and signed a long-term deal with the Magpies. The Scotland Under-21 international had made seven senior competitive appearances for the Hammers across the Premier League and domestic and European cup competitions.
With the two sides meeting in the Premier League on Saturday evening (5.30pm) there's a chance Eddie Howe could hand a debut to the 21-year-old against his former club.
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An injury to Javier Manquillo forced him to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton in midweek and with the defender out for up to a month, Howe will be down a player for West Ham's visit.
While Kieran Trippier is expected to start at right-back, Howe could turn to Ashby for a place on the bench in place of the injured Manquillo, with the possibility that the young defender could come up against the team who developed him in recent years.
After completing his switch, Ashby spoke about what it meant to him, while also taking the time to thank West Ham for helping him develop in recent years.
"I could not be happier. I can't get the smile off my face and it's a proud day for me and my family," he said, speaking to Newcastle's club website after the move.
"I'm buzzing to come to the game [Newcastle vs Southampton] tonight, to meet the fans and to get a taste of the atmosphere.
"I wouldn't be here today without West Ham, so I thank all the coaches that I had from growing up to now, but I'm delighted to be here."
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