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Young Pair To Start Cup Tie
Written by Newcastle Utd
Academy graduates Paul Dummett and Sammy Ameobi will start Newcastle's Capital One Cup tie against Leeds
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Academy graduates Paul Dummett and Sammy Ameobi will start Newcastle United's Capital One Cup third round tie against Leeds on Wednesday, manager Alan Pardew has confirmed.
And they will be joined in the line-up at St. James' Park by Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote, who has been on the bench for the Magpies' last two fixtures following a hamstring injury.
Pardew admitted that clubs often use the Capital One Cup for team tinkering, and while he made no secret that there will be changes to United's personnel on Wednesday, the boss is expecting a positive reaction from the weekend's defeat against Hull.
"This competition is one which, over the last few years, has been contested by squads of the Premier League," he said.
"To a degree I think that is because we need to see what options we have for the Premier League.
"We are putting out a strong side tomorrow but I do need to look at one or two, to see if they can push to be starters in the first team.
"In particular, two young players out of our Academy, Sammy Ameobi and Paul Dummett, who have done absolutely brilliant. They are really knocking on the door of the first team, so those two will definitely play.
"Cheick will (also) definitely play.
"I don't like to say he is champing at the bit, because that is probably the wrong phrase to use with Cheick, but he is desperate to play, trust me.
"This will be a team that, I hope, makes up for a disappointing game on Saturday. I am still livid about that result so, make no mistake, we will be at the races on Wednesday night."
While that trio will be included at St. James' Park, Newcastle will be missing the experience of Shola Ameobi, Yohan Cabaye and Jonas Gutierrez, who are all at different stages of fitness.
"Shola has got flu and will definitely miss out," explained Pardew.
"Yohan I feel perhaps needs to do a real good week's training, because he had two games last week, so he won't be involved.
"And it is too early for Jonas as he has only done two days of training."
Tickets are still available for the Capital One Cup tie against Leeds on Wednesday. To secure your seat or for more information, click here.