Newcastle United have 11 players out on loan at clubs in England’s lower divisions and in France, with Mike Williamson having been recalled from his spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers over the past week.
Only four of the loanees were in action over the weekend – though two of them did score, and another provided an assist.
Steve McClaren is keen to utilise the loan system effectively this season and ensure that his young charges – and those senior players who have been struggling for gametime – get an opportunity at a club where they will play regularly.
Here’s how the United loanees got on over the weekend:
Ivan Toney (Barnsley)
It was quite a day for the 19-year-old forward as he grabbed his first Tykes goal before also scoring a crucial penalty during Barnsley’s 4-2 Football League Trophy shootout win over Wigan Athletic.
Not only did the forward put the visitors ahead in the 53rd-minute by tapping in a rebound, he also had the composure to slot home the second of Barnsley’s four successful spot-kicks.
The match ended 2-2 after the regulation 90 minutes, and no further goals were scored in extra-time, before Toney and Co stepped up to wrap up the tie.
Remy Cabella (Marseille)
The 25-year-old has had quite a last seven days - having netted his first Marseille goal against Rennes in midweek, Cabella then popped up with another in the following match at the Ligue 1 side drew 2-2 at home to Montpellier.
Cabella, whose loan move to the south of France should become permanent anytime soon, scored Marseille’s second against his former side.
Though he netted in the 49th minute, Cabella did not celebrate out of respect for his former side. He was played in by Newcastle target Michy Batshuayi before slotting home.
Alex Gilliead and Macaulay Gillesphey (Carlisle United)
Only one of the two United loanees featured but Gilliead put in a good performance at Carlisle comfortably progressed to the FA Cup third round with a 5-0 victory over Welling United.
Gilliead provided an assist and was an attacking menace throughout as the Cumbrians easily advanced to the next round.
With so many in Cumbria affected by the awful floods that have hit in recent days, Gilliead also tweeted this message to the fans: “Hope everyone affected by the floods are safe and sound! Would be more than happy to help in anyway that we can #cufc.”
Sammy Ameobi (Cardiff City)
The 23-year-old forward came on as an 85th-minute substitute as Cardiff came from behind to beat Bolton Wanderers 3-2 away from home.
Ameobi came on for Anthony Pilkington with the game already at 3-2 and struggled to make an impact on the match that saw the Bluebirds move into the Championship’s top six.
His older brother Shola Ameobi, meanwhile, played the first 70 minutes for Bolton before being replaced by Emile Heskey.
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Adam Armstrong and Gael Bigirimana (Coventry City)
The Sky Blues did not have a game over the weekend so neither 13-goal forward Armstrong nor defensive-midfielder Bigirimana got a runout for Coventry, who are currently second in League One.
Shane Ferguson (Millwall)
Millwall crashed to a 2-1 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers as the League One men were knocked out of the FA Cup in the second round but Ferguson did not make an appearance.
The 24-year-old left-sided player has been struggling with a niggle recently and was not risked for the clash at the Den.
Haris Vuckic (Wigan Athletic)
Toney may have impressed in this encounter but 23-year-old Vuckic once again sat out another Latics game.
The Slovenia international remained on the sidelines as Wigan agonisingly lost 4-2 on penalties at home to Barnsley in this Football League Trophy encounter following a 2-2 draw after extra-time.
Liam Gibson (Gateshead)
Newcastle defender Gibson did not make an appearance in the National League as Gateshead secured a vital victory with a Paddy McLaughlin last-minute winner at Kidderminster Harriers.
Jamie Cobain (Sheffield United)
The 19-year-old right-back did not make the Sheffield United squad for their 1-0 win at Oldham Athletic as the League One club progressed into the FA Cup Third Round.
