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Beardsley Backing Gibson To Shine
Written by Newcastle Utd
Young left-back Liam Gibson's recent rise to prominence has come as no surprise to Newcastle's under-21s coach, Peter Beardsley
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Under-21s coach Peter Beardsley believes Liam Gibson's recent taste of first-team action will stand the young left-back in good stead for the future.
Stanley-born Gibson, who has been with the Club since the age of 11, was an unused substitute in Newcastle's win over West Bromwich Albion earlier this month and also travelled to Chelsea without making the bench.
The 18-year-old then started in last Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over Lillestrom in La Manga and was praised afterwards by Steve McClaren, with United's head coach saying that the flame-haired full-back had done "very well" against the Norwegians.
With Massadio Haidara and Kevin Mbabu still sidelined through injury and Paul Dummett yet to resume full training following a hamstring problem, Gibson could be in contention for next week's Barclays Premier League trip to Stoke City - although Rolando Aarons and Jack Colback are also options for McClaren.
And Beardsley - who handed Gibson his second-string debut against Leicester City in February 2014 - told nufc.co.uk: "He's a great kid. He's got a lovely left foot, he's strong, physical, can run and he has a good understanding of the game.
"The only thing he's maybe lacking is confidence. I don't think he realises what he has, because he has a lot of strengths, a lot of positives, and I just wish sometimes he would believe in himself a bit more. He's certainly got the talent."
The evening before the Chelsea game - his first away trip with the team - Gibson stood on a chair after dinner and gave a rendition of Ed Sheeran's 2011 hit The A Team as part of his initiation ceremony.
Beardsley added: "What was good for him was he had to sing in front of (the first team players and staff) at Chelsea.
"Apparently he sang really well and fair play to him - I didn't think he'd be able to get through that! Having got through that, he should be able to get through most things.
"But the first team players are always very welcoming in terms of taking them (the young players) under their wing, encouraging them, helping them.
"Colo (captain Fabricio Coloccini) is very good in that sense. They all come back having had a great experience and that's what it's all about."