A fresh face has been spotted in Newcastle United training ahead of Saturday’s game against Sunderland.
The Magpies are preparing to head to the Stadium Of Light for their FA Cup third round clash with Sunderland this weekend. It will be the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016.
It is an absolutely massive game, and a must-win for Eddie Howe. He simply has to go full strength, which is something he has never done in the FA Cup since becoming Toon manager.
But we predict that will change on Saturday, and the big guns were out in force as the Magpies trained at Darsley Park on Thursday morning ahead of their trip to Wearside.
Travis Hernes trains with Newcastle first-team ahead of Sunderland
The club have released 26 photos from Thursday’s training session to their official website.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak are involved, and they will both be key as we go in search of our first derby win since 2011.
And it appears that Eddie Howe has also called up an 18-year-old that has never played a senior game for Newcastle.
In picture number 15 on the club’s website, Bruno Guimaraes can be seen playing a pass whilst being put under pressure by teenage midfielder Travis Hernes.
Hernes has never made a senior appearance in a Toon shirt, joining the club in the summer of 2023 from Shrewsbury Town.
He has been described as an ‘elegant‘ midfielder, and is someone who is hoping to rise through the ranks and become a Premier League regular at St James’ Park. As the likes of Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley have proven, there is a clear path in place for that to become a reality.
Earlier this season, Hernes represented the Newcastle Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League. He featured in the opening game against AC Milan, and was described by coach Ben Dawson as a player with a lot of potential.
Newcastle officials clearly have a lot of faith in Hernes, and it is interesting to see him feature in first-team training ahead of what is an absolutely massive game for the club.
While he has featured in training, it would be a huge shock to see the youngster involved in the squad that takes on Sunderland on Saturday.
Another player who might not be involved is Kieran Trippier. He is hoping to return from injury, but there was no sign of him in any of the training photos.
Fingers crossed he is passed fit to start at the Stadium Of Light.
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