Elliot Anderson, Matty Longstaff and Kelland Watts all starred for their respective loan clubs over the weekend. The young Newcastle United trio have excelled at Bristol Rovers, Mansfield and Wigan Athletic respectively this season as they forge their careers away from St James’ Park.
All three may be on the fringes of the first team next season and could save the Magpies a fortune if they continue to realise their potential. However, it was not a jolly weekend for every Newcastle loanee as Jeff Hendrick and Freddie Woodman continue to grow frustrated at QPR and Bournemouth.
Joe White settled for a cameo role at Hartlepool as they travelled to the League Two leaders yesterday afternoon. ChronicleLive looks at how the Magpies’ loan contingent fared in their latest round of fixtures…
Elliot Anderson
The Whitley Bay native continues to turn heads in League Two and scored the equaliser as Bristol Rovers drew 1-1 at Tranmere. Manager Joey Barton recently compared Anderson to Diego Maradona; big praise, but the impact he is having for the Pirates means he could be knocking on the door next season.
Matty Longstaff
Longstaff shone as Mansfield tightened their grip on a League Two playoff spot by smashing Scunthorpe 4-0. He has rejuvenated a stalled career since moving in January and could face Anderson in the playoffs at the end of the campaign.
Kelland Watts
The Alnwick-born defender played 90 minutes as Wigan moved three points clear - with two games in hand - at the top of League One. Watts was booked but another solid performance raises questions as to whether he can make the step up to the first team.
Freddie Woodman
A frustrating start to life at Bournemouth continued as Woodman watched Scott Parker’s side draw 0-0 with Sheffield United from the bench. He is yet to start a league game for the Cherries, with his only appearance coming in the shock 1-0 defeat to Boreham Wood in the FA Cup.
Jeff Hendrick
Hendrick - who has struggled since signing for QPR in January - was left out of the squad due to injury and was helpless as they lost 2-1 against Preston.
Joe White
The Carlisle youngster played 21 minutes Hartlepool drew 1-1 with high-fliers Forest Green. A tall, but skilful attacking midfielder, White is billed as one of the Magpies’ most exciting academy graduates.
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