Newcastle United will send a first-team squad to Gateshead on Saturday afternoon but Eddie Howe will be looking at the friendly against the Tynesiders as an opportunity for fringe stars to impress him.
Howe has confirmed that goalkeeper Nick Pope, who ended last season with a finger injury, Joe Willock, still recovering from a hamstring problem, and Emil Krafth, still getting back from an ACL absence, are not in contention for the first friendly of the summer. Young duo Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon also enjoying an extended break after their involvement in the European Championships which ended in glory for the England Under-21s to the delight of the Scouse star.
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