Matt Targett completed his deadline day move to Newcastle and will want to replicate the form shown by some of Tyneside’s previous loan stars.
The Aston Villa left-back joins Eddie Howe’s squad until the end of the season and has an immediate opportunity to impress due to Paul Dummett and Jamal Lewis being sidelined.
A purple patch from Targett in defence could go a long way to rectifying Newcastle’s leaky backline that have already conceded 43 goals this season.
An impressive loan stint will award the 26-year-old with cult hero status at St James’ Park as one of the most crucial chapters in the club’s history unfolds.
However, he will want to avoid being remembered in the same breath as the likes of Facundo Ferreyra and Seydou Doumbia - two loan flops that failed to deliver the goods.
ChronicleLive looks at five former loan signings Targett can take inspiration from for their heroics at Newcastle…
Joe Willock
Last year’s deadline-day signing, Willock was electric during his loan spell at St James’ Park and was the key reason for the club surviving relegation.
His eight goals gave Steve Bruce's side the boost it needed but, since making a permanent move, his form has nosedived.
Willock will be hoping for another post-January surge in form to justify the £25million Newcastle forked out in the summer.
Saloman Rondon
The Columbian arrived from West Brom and had big boots to fill after the departure of fans’ favourite Aleksandar Mitrovic.
After a slow start, Rondon quickly settled to life on Tyneside and was integral to a comfortable mid-table finish under Rafa Benitez - scoring 11 goals.
Instead of signing permanently, the striker opted to follow Benitez to China before returning to England with Everton on a free transfer.
Christian Atsu
Newcastle signed Atsu on a season-long loan from Chelsea in 2016 and the Ghanain chipped in with some crucial contributions during the Magpies’ Championship-winning campaign.
He scored five goals - including a spectacular free-kick against Cardiff - as Newcastle bounced back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Atsu was signed the following summer but lost his starting berth. He played his part at St James’ park for a short while… a task Targett must also fulfil.
Loic Remy
The French forward arrived at Newcastle after rejecting the club six months earlier to sign for QPR.
However, any bitterness from Toon supporters was quickly forgotten as Remy terrorised defences during his one-year cameo.
His 14 goals ensured top-flight survival under Alan Pardew but he opted to join Chelsea instead of the Magpies the following season.
Danny Simpson
Simpson had several loan spells while breaking through at Man Utd but it was at Newcastle where he made his mark.
Chris Hughton took a chance on the young right-back in January 2010 - and the move paid dividends.
The 23-year-old helped the Magpies secure the Championship title and earned himself a permanent move in the process.
He made the right-back spot his own for the next three seasons and helped the club finish 5th in 2011/12.
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