Cottagers Clash For Under-21s

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Newcastle United's under-21s are in action against their Fulham counterparts at Whitley Park on Monday (kick-off 1pm).

Peter Beardsley's side beat the Cottagers 2-0 in October, with Gael Bigirimana and Ivan Toney on target, but neither player will figure this time as Bigirimana is on loan at Coventry and Toney is recovering from injury.

However, Daniel Barlaser and Callum Williams could both feature after joining the first team on their training camp to La Manga.

Barlaser appeared as a substitute in Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over Lillestrom while Williams was an unused substitute.

Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who came on at half-time against the Norwegians, could also be involved.

United's second-string were beaten 2-1 at home to Stoke in their last Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixture, but performed well despite being reduced to ten men early in the game.

Before that, they won 4-2 at West Bromwich Albion and coach Beardsley has challenged his team to build on their recent good performances.

"As I keep saying, it's not about winning - it's about development - but they were outstanding against West Brom and outstanding in a different way against Stoke," the former England star told nufc.co.uk.

"It is like that; because they're young, sometimes they're good and sometimes they're not so good, but that's part of the game. The quicker they can learn, it'll help them."

Admission on Monday afternoon is free to season ticket holders and Members on production of their card; otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions (under-16s and over-65s).