Kieran Trippier has heaped praise on Matt Bondswell after the left-back's impressive performance in the 3-2 defeat to Benfica. The Newcastle United youngster replaced Matt Targett at half-time and hardly put a foot wrong during the second period.
Bondswell has earned plaudits from Newcastle supporters after the Eusebio Cup defeat as questions arise over whether he could force his way into Eddie Howe 's plans this season. Trippier was also keen to namecheck the 20-year-old after his Lisbon showing.
"I thought it was a great experience for a lot of players, coming to a place like this it's always difficult," Trippier told NUFC TV. "I think you look at Matt who played left-back, I thought he was outstanding.
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"It's not easy to get thrown in the deep end but to go a goal down and how we reacted to come back at 1-1, and then same again at 2-1 down, I thought we showed great character against a tough opponent.
"They [the young players] can learn a lot. It was a friendly but it didn't look like it. The tackles were flying in but that just shows the personality of every single player on our team. We want to win no matter who we play against. The players showed their commitment to the club and should be very proud."
Trippier also gave Bondswell a personal shoutout on his Instagram account after the Benfica clash, writing: "Congrats @MattBondswell, solid performance."
Bondswell may be shifted out on loan this term if Newcastle look to get the youngster first-team minutes elsewhere. The left-back got something of a raw deal last season when he was sent to Shrewsbury Town on loan and was then ridiculously overlooked by Steve Cotterill. Dan Ashworth and Shola Ameobi will be making sure the same mistake isn't made if leaves temporarily once again.
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