Beardsley Believes In Benefit Of Sevens

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Peter Beardsley believes this weekend's Hong Kong Football Club Citi Soccer Sevens tournament is a great development tool for his young Newcastle United stars.

Ten Magpies under-21 players are currently out in the Far East, where they will take part in the annual seven-a-side competition.

United kick off their campaign on Saturday where, in Group A, they will face local sides Hong Kong Football Club and Kitchee, followed by a clash against compatriots Aston Villa.

And Beardsley explained one important aspect of this format which could help them when they return to Tyneside next season.

"Seven-a-side is great for development because the players have to learn how to manage a game," he told nufc.co.uk.

"By that I mean, if we manage to get in front, they have to learn how to keep a lead in a very fast-paced, attacking game, which is non-stop and in real humidity.

"Or if we go behind it's vitally important that we don't get hit on the break and concede a second while searching for an equaliser.

"There's a lot of space on the pitch, it's very different to the 11-a-side game but it's great for them as players and can only benefit them in the future."

Beardsley is confident his youngsters will make it through their group to Sunday's knockout stage, and the Magpies' boss would love them to emulate their trophy success of 2012.

"We are going to try and win it, just as Leicester, Aston Villa, West Ham and Stoke are," he continued.

"It's a brilliant competition that we really want to win because it's been a tough season for us, and this would be a great way to end it.

"We expect to get out of the group without hesitation, along with Aston Villa I would imagine. And from then it is a knockout, so it becomes a bit different.

"But three of the lads have been before, so hopefully they can help the younger ones and we can have a really good go at it."