Newcastle United scouts witnessed Scotland’s 3-0 defeat to Greece on Sunday.
Steve Clarke’s side were relegated to League B of the Nations League, as they slumped a painful defeat at Hampden Park.
The only Newcastle United player involved in the game was Odysseas Vlachodimos. The Toon goalkeeper was an unused substitute for Greece.
But there were also Newcastle United officials in the stands as Greece ran riot.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Newcastle United scout Greek wonderkid
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United scouts were in attendance for Scotland vs Greece.
The main reason for their visit was Konstantinos Karetsas, the 17-year-old winger who was making just his second appearance for Greece.
“Karetsas is a very interesting player,” he said.
“He’s come through the system at Genk, and has just got his Greek passport.
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“He was brilliant in that game against Scotland on Sunday. Newcastle were there to watch him. They may have been looking at other players, but I do understand that Karetsas was one of the main reasons they were there at Hampden Park.”
Karetsas shines in front of Newcastle United scouts
It was some international break for Karetsas, who was born in Belgium to Greek parents.
He made his debut for Greece on Thursday night, coming off the bench as they lost 1-0 to Scotland.
The Genk teenager was promoted to the starting XI for the return fixture, and played a key role as they thumped the Tartan Army 3-0.
Karetsas even got himself a goal, curling a beautiful first-time effort beyond Craig Gordon with his left foot to truly announce himself on the international stage. That goal made him the youngest scorer in Greece’s history.
He gave Liverpool defender Andy Robertson a torrid time, as Karetsas created a moment that will last a lifetime.
The teenager did it in front of Newcastle United scouts, and they will certainly have been impressed.