One Direction Pay United A Visit

Newcastle United were paid a visit with a difference on Wednesday when the world's biggest pop band - One Direction - dropped in to the Club's training ground between sell-out shows on Tyneside.

Ahead of their third and final Metro Radio Arena appearance of their current tour, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson braved chilly temperatures to show their skills during a special training session in full Magpies kit.

The session culminated in a one-off match against coaching staff including Alan Pardew, John Carver Andy Woodman, Steve Stone and Peter Beardsley, with the visitors falling to defeat despite Niall coolly converting a penalty.

The chart-toppers, whose second album Take Me Home reached number one in 37 countries, rubbed shoulders with the Club's first team over lunch before resuming preparations for Wednesday's sell-out show as the players prepare for their own sold out appearance against Benfica on Thursday.

Goalscorer Niall told nufc.co.uk, "It was brilliant to be here. We'd like to thank the Club and Alan Pardew for having us down and for getting us involved."

Harry added: "It was good fun coming out to have a look around and to meet the staff and players. We don't really get chance to come out and play - especially 11-a-side - so we really enjoyed it."

Keep an eye on nufc.co.uk throughout tonight and tomorrow for our One Direction training picture gallery, interviews with the lads and exclusive video features on nufcTV.