Steve McClaren praises two of Newcastle's U21s after La Manga trip

Steve McClaren has praised the performance of two youngsters after Newcastle United's 2-1 friendly win over Lillestrom.
Steve McClarenSteve McClaren
Steve McClaren

The Magpies rounded off their week-long training camp in La Manga with victory over the Norwegian side courtesy of goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and Rolando Aarons.

McClaren fielded a strong starting line-up, but gave youngster Liam Gibson a start in defence.

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The left-back produced a solid performance, as did right-back Jamie Sterry, who came on at half-time for Daryl Janmaat.

Newcastle 2 Lillestrom 1Sterry produced a great cross for Aarons to head home the winner, and with the likes of Steven Taylor, Henri Saivet, Jamaal Lascelles, Emmanuel Riviere and new boy Seydou Doumbia getting much-needed game time, McClaren was pleased with what he saw.

“This was a decent work out in difficult conditions but good to see the likes of Jamie Sterry and Liam Gibson doing well," the Newcastle head coach said.

“It was good to get minutes for Jamaal and Steven Taylor along with Seydou and Henri. Plus Manu Riviere came back from injury and was terrific. Rolando also benefited.

“It was worthwhile and a good work out.”