After two shambolic loan spells, Elias Sorensen is in limbo.
The striker has struggled at both Blackpool and Carlisle, and is now back with Newcastle after his latest loan spell was cut short.
But with an FA Cup third round tie against Rochdale on the horizon, Sorensen deserves a shot in the first-team. With so many injuries, Steve Bruce will have to chop and change his side. And with none of his strikers firing, he has a big decision to make on who starts up front.
One man he must consider is Sorensen. The youngster has flopped spectacularly in League One and Two, but he’s proven in the youth setup that he’s a natural goalscorer. That’s why so many Toon fans have been desperate for him to get a chance over the past year.
Rochdale is the perfect opportunity for Sorensen. Joelinton isn’t firing, Dwight Gayle might be sold, and Andy Carroll is still being wrapped in bubble wrap. If Sorensen can get a chance to impress, he might be able to properly force his way into the first-team.
I’m sure most fans would rather see the 20-year-old get a chance over Gayle.
Bruce must not take the cup contest lightly, as League One Rochdale are perfectly poised to cause an upset. Starting a striker with a point to prove might be something of a masterstroke.
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