SYLVAIN Marveaux’s been told to roll his sleeves up and fight for his place at Newcastle United.
The winger’s been overlooked by manager Alan Pardew in recent weeks.
Marveaux wasn’t even on the bench for last week’s Europa League game against Club Brugge.
Gabriel Obertan, Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson appear to be ahead of the 26-year-old – who missed most of last season through injury – in the pecking order at St James’s Park.
Marveaux was a peripheral figure in his only Premier League start this term – against Everton at Goodison Park in September – and was replaced at half-time.
However, Pardew’s insisted Marveaux, signed from Rennes last year, can force his way back into contention if he impresses on the training field.
“Sylvain’s not out of the equation – at any time he could be called upon,” Pardew told the Gazette.
“I have no fears or bones about putting him in. He is trying to earn his place.
“Sammy and Fergie have done well, and they’re both in his position. Gabby’s also been doing well.
“With United facing so many games at home and abroad, no player has been frozen out.”
Forgotten striker Xisco – who netted a hat-trick for the reserves last week – is being integrated back into Pardew’s tight-knit first-team group after last season’s loan spell at Deportivo La Coruna.
And there could even be one final chance for troubled striker Nile Ranger – if he turns up on time for six weeks.
“There’s nobody who isn’t available for selection,” added Pardew. “I wouldn’t dismiss anybody.”
Ranger – whose Newcastle career has been dogged by off-the-field issues – hasn’t played a first-team game since May last year.
Meanwhile, United defender Paul Dummett helped loan club St Mirren knock Aberdeen out of Scottish League Cup last night and book a place in the competition’s quarter-finals.
Twitter: @milesstarforth
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