Newcastle have a goal problem. But a teenage striker is waiting in the wings. Afner Ca, 19, has been training with the first team this week as Matthias Jaissle’s side prepare for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Afner Ca makes fast impact at Newcastle
Ca joined up in the summer on a free transfer from La Liga side Levante. The Guinea-Bissau forward, who stands 6 ft 4 in, signed for the academy and was placed in the under-21s. It is understood he signed a five-year deal.
He did not hang around. He made his debut in a pre-season friendly draw with Spennymoor Town before finding the net in a 3-1 EFL Trophy win at York City last month.
Form follows after three games. Ca scored twice in a 4-1 Premier League Cup win over Luton Town just under a fortnight ago. He followed it up with a fine display in a 2-1 National League Cup win at Hartlepool United days later.
Jaissle’s attack needs a spark
The club rewarded him. Ca was named on the matchday squad for Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa but had to make do with the 21st man spot as a substitute. He is clearly in high demand at the club after being named as a squad member.
Newcastle only managed one shot on target against Villa, and that came from defender Sven Botman. Towards the end, Jaissle even switched centre-back Dan Burn to a forward role in an attempt to increase their chances of scoring. They have lost three of their last four games, and fans are crying out for goals.
Ca is yet to reach his potential but is a teenage footballer competing in a youth league. His progress is proof of the club’s intention to recruit young players, according to sporting director Ross Wilson.
Under 21s Mason Miley and Harry Johnston were also photographed during the session. The former recently featuring on the substitutes’ bench for league matches against Leeds United and Hull City.
Newcastle team news for Crystal Palace
None of the three youngsters are expected to figure at Selhurst Park. Jaissle has an almost full-strength squad at his disposal.
There is concern about summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who has been feeling unwell following Villa’s defeat. The £51m transfer from Athletic Bilbao is expected to be fit to travel.
Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey are close to returning to action following six weeks on the sidelines, but both could be set to miss out on Sunday’s game. Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen are sidelined with knee problems, and only the latter is thought to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Kick-off is at 2pm on Sunday with a win here easing the pressure on Jaissle. For Ca, the advice would be to keep scoring goals, keep training hard and keep waiting for the call.
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