Siem de Jong and Vurnon Anita push for recalls with secret Newcastle run-outs

Siem de Jong and Vurnon Anita are pushing for first-team recalls at Newcastle United.
Siem de JongSiem de Jong
Siem de Jong

The fit-again pair played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hartlepool United at the club's Academy yesterday.

The League Two side won 3-1, with Callum Roberts on target for Newcastle.

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Forward De Jong has recovered from a freak eye injury, while midfielder Anita has overcome a hamstring problem.

Having been left out of the first-team squad for last night's Premier League game against Stoke City, de Jong and Anita could be involved against Bournemouth at St James's Park on Saturday.

Reflecting on the friendly, Hartlepool manager Craig Hignett said: “We had a reserve game against Newcastle and all the lads did really well, put in a really good performance and won the game.

“The players did a lot of good things I liked so I have a good problem for the weekend.”