The 12 Newcastle United players who must impress Eddie Howe in Austria this pre-season

Newcastle United’s squad are currently out in Austria for the first of two pre-season tours this month.

Published 14th Jul 2022, 11:30 BST

Updated 14th Jul 2022, 11:37 BST

In total, 29 Newcastle players have travelled out to Austria for a nine-day training camp which will include friendly matches against 1860 Munich and Mainz.

Of the players who have made the journey, some are facing uncertain futures at the club and will be keen to impress head coach Eddie Howe while away.

For others, it’s about securing a place in the starting line-up for the opening day of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest on August 6.

Every player will want to make an impact in pre-season ahead of an important campaign for Newcastle. But there are some whose future or place in the side could be dictated by the impact they make this July.

Following the trip to Austria, Newcastle will then fly out to Lisbon to face Benfica before hosting Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao at St James’s Park on July 29 and July 30 respectively.

1. Martin Dubravka - a point to prove

The arrival of Nick Pope puts Dubravka’s starting position in the Newcastle side under serious threat for the first time. Hasn’t had much to do so far in pre-season and didn’t feature against Burnley on Saturday. He will have to make an impact in these final few matches in order to be in with a chance of starting on the opening day.

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2. Nick Pope - a point to prove

Just as it is an important pre-season for Dubravka, Pope will also be wanting to impress in order to make sure that it is him in between the sticks for the Nottingham Forest match. He is probably just edging it in pre-season so far but will have to keep his levels consistent. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK

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3. Ryan Fraser - a point to prove

Faces competition in the wide positions with further additions targeted in the transfer market. Fraser will have to prove his worth to Howe over the next week.