Harrison Ashby and Sean Neave were both included in the Newcastle United U21s side who played Burnley on Saturday.
The Newcastle United academy teams are having a mixed time of things this season.
Indeed, the Newcastle United U21s are eighth in the Premier League 2 table, although the U18s sit fourth in their division.
Such is the strength in depth available to Eddie Howe at Newcastle this season, he’s not relied on many academy players.
The fact that Neave was included in the squad for Saturday’s youth game is rather telling.
Sean Neave looks on during a Premier League 2 game between Newcastle United and Chelsea.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Sean Neave won’t replace William Osula in Newcastle United squad despite his injury
The Newcastle United manager is dealing with something of an injury crisis up front this season.
Yoane Wissa and William Osula are both injured for Newcastle, leaving only Nick Woltemade to lead the line.
As good as Woltemade has been this season, he has looked fatigued in recent weeks. Neave, then, looked like a potential emergency option for Sunday’s trip to Brentford.
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Still, the fact he’s playing against Burnley will almost certainly rule him out. While Newcastle think very highly of Neave, not even an injury crisis has opened the door for him.
Ashby, meanwhile, has recovered from a thigh issue to play in Saturday’s game.
Why the jury is still out on Sean Neave at Newcastle United
The 18-year-old has scored four goals in 13 appearances at youth level this season.
Two of those have come in seven Premier League 2 outings, while the teenager has also scored one apiece in the UEFA Youth League and EFL Trophy.
Neave has also recorded two assists and while it would have been foolish to expect him to replace Woltemade, the fact he’s missing out on the senior squad even amid a lack of available options could be rather telling.
It will be fascinating to see if Neave gets any chance at all this season.