Emil Krafth could be set for a huge opportunity against Rochdale

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Of all of Newcastle’s summer signings, Emil Krafth is probably the one we’ve seen the least of.

The Swedish right-back has struggled to command a place in Steve Bruce’s starting XI, falling behind Javi Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin in the pecking order.

But after the Leicester shambles, Krafth might have an opportunity coming his way.

He replaced Manquillo shortly before half-time on New Year’s Day, forced to slot in on the left side of defence after Jetro Willems went off injured.

Krafth appeared to operate at centre-back in the second half when the Magpies went down to 10 men, showing some versatility that we’re yet to see from him.

Yedlin hurt his hand against the Foxes but could be okay for Rochdale, but Krafth is still likely to feature. With Willems, Manquillo, Paul Dummett and Jack Colback all injured, there’s a gaping hole on the left side of defence – a gaping hole that Krafth could fill.

If the 25-year-old can put in a solid performance in an unfamiliar role, he could re-climb the pecking order at St James’ Park. Here’s hoping he does, because so far it looks like £5 million down the drain.