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Newcastle v Monaco: Gael Gets The Nod
Written by Newcastle Utd
Gael Bigirimana has been handed a starting spot in Newcastle's second pre-season friendly, against Monaco
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Teenage midfielder Gael Bigirimana has been handed a starting spot in Newcastle's second pre-season friendly, against Monaco on Monday night (7pm kick-off local time).
The 18-year-old was only signed from Coventry City just over a week ago, but came off the substitutes' bench on Friday against Chemnitzer, and will now take up a role in the middle of the park alongside Mehdi Abeid.
Bigirimana's inclusion is one of seven changes made by manager Alan Pardew, as he looks to give all his squad some game time and the chance to impress.
Also in the starting line-up are veteran keeper Steve Harper, defenders Davide Santon, Danny Simpson, Jonas Gutierrez - who will also take up a defensive role - and strike duo Shola Ameobi and Demba Ba. They replace Rob Elliot, James Tavernier, Ryan Taylor, James Perch, Gabriel Obertan and Haris Vuckic.
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Steve Harper; Davide Santon, Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Jonas Gutierrez; Romain Amalfitano, Mehdi Abeid, Gael Bigirimana, Sammy Ameobi; Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, James Tavernier, Ryan Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, James Perch, Dan Gosling, Cheick Tiote, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan, Haris Vuckic
