With this years winter World Cup in Qatar still looming large, many Newcastle United players will be still be hoping to represent their nation on football's biggest stage of them all. But with the Magpies bidding to improve on their 11th placed finish last season, some could stake their own late claims should they begin the season in fine form.
Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes look to be two names set to already be on the plane given they have already established themselves in England and Brazil's set-up's, but what about those who are merely on the fringes and could still sneak in. Chris Wood's New Zealand could yet still confirm their place too later this month albeit.
With more and more international talents set to arrive at St. James Park this summer, we decided to take a look at those perhaps overlooked that could still sneak into their countries respective plans later this year.
Dan Burn
With some Newcastle fans puzzled at the defenders non-inclusion in the England team earlier this year, Dan Burn was arguably United's best player as Eddie Howe's side steered themselves away from danger in the second half of the 21/22 season.
A no nonsense traditional English defender as you will, Gareth Southgate tends to be fairly stuck on his traditional pairing of John Stones and Harry Maguire. But with injuries perhaps a factor, Burn could still stake his own claim should his superb form carry on into the start of the 22/23 season.
Matt Targett
Capped at all three Three Lions age groups of Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21's, new addition Matt Targett is perhaps another name that may have been overlooked by Southgate for England's recent UEFA Nations League clashes.
With the likes of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell to contend with, plus Kyle Walker's experience and versatility to play in different areas, the former Southampton man was again fantastic during the Magpies end of season run and should he carry on in the same form, may again pose questions to the England boss.
Joelinton
Now settled in to his new found position in the centre of the park, Newcastle man Joelinton could also ask questions of manager Tite heading into his key decision making ahead of the World Cup too.
With Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Fred and Casemiro just a few name to contend with, the 25-year-old is yet to make his international debut for the Selecao's first team having represented his nation at U17 level back in 2012.
Allan Saint-Maximin
Capped seven times at Under 21 level, it is not hard to see why Newcastle's tricky forward has had a hard time receiving his first team call up given the plethora of talent ahead of him.
France's current set-up is one of the strongest in the world and with a need now to kick on heading into the 22/23 campaign, Saint-Maximin will have to no doubt be at his very best to ensure a late inclusion from Didier Deschamps.
