Newcastle coach reveals thoughts on Elias Sorensen frustrations and Tom Allan progress after Sunderland win

The young Magpies recorded a 2-0 win at St James’ Park on Friday night, yet both sides were reduced to 10 men after Sorensen and Sunderland’s Jack Bainbridge clashed in the 89th minute.

Sorensen returned to Tyneside earlier this season after a frustrating loan spell in League Two with Carlisle United.

The young Dane also had a short stint at Blackpool in the second half of last campaign, following an impressive scoring run for the Magpies’ under-23 side.

“I think Ell is just frustrated that he’s not managed to hit the heights that he did last year,” said Dawson when asked about the forward. “He’s come back to the group and I think more recently has worked really hard.

“He’s performed really well, we’ve asked him just to play off the front in recent games, he’s been a great link man. His movement has been clever, his touch has been good, he’s got us up the pitch.”

Sorensen operated in the No 10 position behind Yannick Toure against the Black Cats and Dawson thinks the pair can form a good partnership.

“He’s linked well with Yannick where there seems to be a good little partnership developing,” added Dawson when discussing Sorensen. “It’s just frustrating for him that he has that one moment of madness tonight.

“He’s got himself in a great place mentally and with his performances it’s now going to cost him three games. I think it’s more frustration rather than confidence.”

One Newcastle youngster who does appear to be making progress is winger Tom Allan.

The 20-year-old has been called up to the first team this season and came off the bench in January’s 4-1 FA Cup win over Rochdale.

Allan opened the scoring against Sunderland after just two minutes, and Dawson says he’s noticed a difference in the player.

“He’s a lot more vocal,” said the Magpies coach. “I think some of the times you are not that confident but he seems to have come out of his shell a little bit, more demanding of himself, more demanding of other people.

“I still think he could have a little bit more belief in himself, I think he still beats himself up a little bit. I don’t think tonight was one of his greatest performances but you are always going to be guaranteed that effort end endeavour from him.

“We know he’s got some quality which is why he’s had an opportunity at the top end, he just needs to believe he’s good enough to be there.”

Dawson also believes there is a pathway for the club’s young players to break into the senior side.

“I think the pathway has always been there if you have been good enough,” he added. “I think we are now getting to a stage where we are more comfortable and confident saying go and take him or have a look at him. That’s credit to the lads themselves.”