Newcastle have promoted defender Oisin McEntee to first team training following an injury to Ciaran Clark, according to Chronicle Live.
The Ireland international was forced off late into Newcastle’s 4-0 loss against Arsenal last weekend after coming off worse for wear following a challenge from Bukayo Saka.
The 30-year old centre-back has been a regular under Steve Bruce, having fallen out of favour somewhat under Rafa Benitez, playing 14 times in the Premier League this season.
However, following his injury, Bruce will most likely turn to Fabian Schar or Florian Lejeune to take the Irishman’s place, with Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez already in the starting lineup.
Now, 19-year McEntee has joined senior training as Bruce looks to bolster his options following Clark’s injury.
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Clark’s injury was unfortunate, particularly after he had just started to get a good run of games under his belt, however, Newcastle have still been left with plenty of options.
Bruce has been using Clark, Lascelles and Fernandez in a three-back formation, with Schar and Lejeune on the bench. Having five central defensive options should be more than enough, with Newcastle able to rotate to a back-four formation when required, meaning McEntee is unlikely to taste first team action.
Still, it can’t hurt to have a starlet training with the first team, as Bruce bids to help the young Irishman further his development with the club.
Hopefully, McEntee will be able to procure some valuable experience from his time with the first team squad.
In the meantime though, it would seem that playing Lascelles, Fernandez and Schar is the best option for Bruce, while Lejeune adds an additional goal threat, having scored two goals in two minutes against Everton last month.
