The Magpies are eager to discover the very best talent north of the border after increasing talent spotters in Scotland
Jack Ross during an Adidas Cup friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park
Newcastle United are beefing up their scouting mission in Scotland as they look to take advantage of a previously overlooked catchment area.
It is understood that scouts will not only be scouring the Scottish Premiership for potential stars but also looking lower down the leagues and at youth games in Scotland as the club move forward.
With new head of football strategy Jack Ross at the helm the former St Mirren and Hamilton Accies star has a wealth of contacts in the Scottish game.
During the Mike Ashley era, scouting missions north of the border were few and far between but since the takeover, the club now have dedicated talent spotters in Scotland.
Chronicle Live reported earlier this year that Newcastle had taken a closer look at Hearts star James Wilson. Newcastle once had a fine reputation for discovering Scottish stars with greats like Hughie Gallacher and Bob Moncur very part of the black and white tapestry around St James' Park.
But since then the Magpies have signed Oliver Goodbrand and Alfie Hutchison have joined the club's Academy from Rangers. Goodbrand and Hutchison, both 16-year-old Scotland youth internationals, are working with the club's Under-18 side.
Academy director Steve Harper said earlier this summer: "Alfie and Oliver are two exciting additions to our Academy, and we're really pleased to bring them into the programme.
"They've both shown strong potential at club and international level and arrive with a great attitude and a hunger to keep improving.
"Our recruitment team deserve great credit for bringing Alfie and Oliver to the club and we're confident they'll benefit from the environment we've created here.
"We're looking forward to seeing them both settle into the group and supporting their development as they take their next steps in the game."
A steep learning curve for new coach
Incoming Newcastle reserve team boss Adam Lawrence has warned of more tough assignments to come after enduring his first defeat as coach this week.
Newcastle were beaten 6-2 by Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy on a night of few highs for the young Magpies.
Sean Neave grabbed a goal and an assist to at least give the pocket of travelling fans something to cheer. But reflecting on the tie, Lawrence said: "We had a feeling that it could be this kind of night in terms of being a tough test for the lads against very good League One opposition and it was. It was a tough night with the level we came up against in all areas of the game and what the lads are aspiring to get to.
"There was lots of endeavour and plenty of spirit but it showed us the next level in terms of where the boys need to get to. It is difficult to take in the short-term but there is lots of learning and opportunities for growth and to improve further."
Newcastle's next test will be on Monday night when Norwich City head to Whitley Park for a 7pm kick off in Premier League 2.
Newcastle cancelled late loan for Alex Murphy
United youngster Alex Murphy was hoping to go out on loan for the first half of the season as the time ticked down towards deadline day.
But after Matt Targett was loaned to Middlesbrough, marking the end of his time on Tyneside in the process, Republic of Ireland youth international Murphy was told he had to stay as cover.
The left-sided defender was at Bolton Wanderers last term where he made 13 appearances and scored twice and there was interest from League One again this summer.
But Murphy stays on with Eddie Howe keen to involve him in senior squads and on Champions League nights as part of his extended roster.
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