Good Could Return For Swans Trip

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Defender Curtis Good could return from injury in time for Newcastle United Under-21s' trip to Swansea City on Monday, according to Peter Beardsley.

Twenty-three-year-old Good was withdrawn at half time in the 4-1 home defeat to West Ham United earlier this month, and missed the 2-2 friendly draw with FC Edmonton and the 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion last week.

Over the past few years, the former Bradford City and Dundee United loanee - who has one senior cap for Australia to his name - has been dogged by a succession of injury setbacks.

But football development manager Beardsley revealed that the Australian could return to action when his side face the Swans in a Barclays Under-21 Premier League Division Two clash at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night (7pm kick-off).

"I believe Curtis Good might play, so that'll give us a bit of strength in that position," he said.

"It'd be nice if Curtis is back. I can't imagine what he's been through, because I've never had any injuries of that magnitude and never really had a bad injury.

"I can't understand what he's going through and I try to help him, but you almost don't know what to say. He's had two years, and then he's hurt his calf, and it's been so frustrating for him.

"It'd be nice for him if he could just finish the season and then come the start of the season, he's ready to go."

The game in Wales marks the start of a three-game week for Beardsley's youngsters, who take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday before bringing the curtain down on the campaign by welcoming Brighton to St. James' Park a week on Monday.

And the Magpies legend believes the experience of playing in first team surroundings, along with the hectic schedule the next seven days has provided, will be a memorable week for his players - who he believes can thrive in the big arenas.

"It couldn't be a better week. We're playing at the Liberty, and I've never been there - the kids won't have played there either," said Beardsley.

"That'll be brilliant, and then we go to the Emirates on Friday and then top it off with St. James' Park on Monday.

"That's what the under-21s league is all about. When I look at our games over the season, away more than at home probably, when we've played in stadiums we've done really well. For them to do that is a big incentive for them.

"It's exciting for them, and it's exciting for us as a club."

Swansea could rise to fifth in the table with a victory on Monday, while United would close the gap to Blackburn in ninth if they can bring three points back to Tyneside.

And Beardsley is anticipating a test in correlation with that provided by the Swans' first team, who have forged an attractive style of play at all levels since their promotion to the top flight in 2011.

"They play football and are good to watch. They've got a style of play that's enjoyable to play against," he said.

"When you look at Swansea since they came in to the Premier League they've done really well, in terms of their style.

"They can go anywhere and give anyone a game, and to be fair to the under-21s, that's pretty much what they do."