After a worrying first 45 minutes, Newcastle United needed to do something to get themselves out of the hole the first XI had put them in. Unfortunately, it turned out to be far from the case.
Celtic scored twice in the first half and added another goal just a few minutes into the second 45. Fans were excited to see the debut of Anthony Elanga after completing his £55million move from Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks prior, but there was no Alexander Isak to reignite a partnership already seen with the Sweden national team.
With many Newcastle players getting a runout for the first time this season, Geordie Boot Boys looks at how the second XI performed against Celtic.
Martin Dubravka – 5.5
An appearance against a club he could have signed for in 2024, Martin Dubravka was not able to stop the rout and conceded just a few minutes into the second half.
Emil Krafth – 5
Emil Krafth came in for Kieran Trippier at half-time, but struggled to keep up with the intensity and pace of Celtic’s wingers.
The ball in for Celtic’s third goal came from his side, a low driven cross picked up by Yang inside the area.
Jamaal Lascelles – 5
There will surely have been a lot of emotion for Jamaal Lascelles when he stepped foot on the pitch to play a first-team game in front of a crowd for the first time since March 2024. It was not the most memorable of appearances, but it was great to see the former club captain back on the pitch with the Magpies.
Dan Burn – 5.5
After the season he has had, fans will be hoping to see much more from Dan Burn in pre-season. Unfortunately, he left much to be desired in his return to the first team. Gave away a foul on the edge of the area, which he was booked for, it would have been a red in a competitive game.
Lost the header for Celtic’s fourth.
Alex Murphy – 6.5
Alex Murphy will be one to watch next season after his spell on loan at Bolton Wanderers. The 20-year-old replaced Matt Targett and gave Howe something to think about when next season comes around.
Murphy wants to play Premier League football with Newcastle and will likely take confidence in his showing at Celtic Park. Kept things calm down the left and tried to work with Anthony Gordon in attack.
Joe White – 6
Joe White could leave Newcastle this summer, but the 22-year-old is getting his chance to impress before the start of next season.
Slotting into the midfield, White had an opportunity to score shortly into the second half, but his effort was kept out by Kasper Schmeichel. White could be a frequent face in pre-season, where he could end up becoming the replacement for Sean Longstaff after he left for Leeds.
Sandro Tonali – 5.5
A quiet showing from Sandro Tonali, who only returned to pre-season training on Monday. Could not close down the Celtic man who crossed in for their fourth.
Lewis Miley – 5
One of two players who remained on the pitch after the first half, Lewis Miley just could not get ahold of things throughout the game.
Newcastle’s attacks dwindled as the second half went on, and so did his involvement.
Anthony Elanga – 6
A debut for the £55m signing, but it is unfortunate he was put into the squad in this situation. Anthony Elanga had bright spells but was unable to make a dent in Newcastle’s heavy deficit.
William Osula – 5.5
Stayed on the pitch after a bright first half, but had few opportunities to reduce Celtic’s lead. William Osula got on the end of a promising ball from Murphy, though he was not able to find the back of the net.
Was taken off with 15 minutes to go for Sean Neave.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Anthony Gordon donned a white Adidas headband for the Adidas Trophy. The winger looked promising on occasion but, like the rest of his teammates, could not do anything to break down a lively Celtic side.
Worked well with Murphy on the left-hand side and managed to work his way into the box on occasion. Between him and Harvey Barnes, I would say Gordon edged it from a performance standpoint.
Substitutes
Travis Hernes – 6
Could not make much of an impact after coming on with 15 minutes to go.
Sean Neave – 6
Went virtually unseen after coming off the bench until missing from close range in the final minute.
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