Toon will ply their trade in Trophy

NEWCASTLE United will play in the Checkatrade Trophy next season.

Peter Beardsley will lead United’s team in the competition next term, and five senior players are also able to appear in the games.

Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City and West Ham will also enter the competition along with arch-rivals Sunderland.

However, United could NOT face the Wearsiders until after the group stages.

The Magpies snubbed the chance to play in the competition last year after stating they were asked to participate long after they’d agreed to send fringe players out on loan.

Newcastle will get a share of the £3m prize pot depending on how long they stay in the competition with the winner pocketing £100,000 plus a day out at Wembley.

A statement from the EFL said: “The 16 invited under-21 teams for the 2017/18 Checkatrade Trophy have been confirmed, with newcomers Fulham, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur taking their place in this season’s competition.

“Premier League champions Chelsea will again take part, and will be joined by 11 other under-21 sides from England’s top flight as the country’s leading Category One Academies pit their future prospects against professionals from the 48 League One and League Two clubs.

“Four EFL clubs will have under-21 sides involved, with Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Reading joining Fulham in the group stage draw, which will take place in July. The first round of fixtures are scheduled to take place week commencing 28th August.”

The tournament has been endorsed by Spurs with their head of player development, John McDermott added: “We took the decision to enter the competition as it is beneficial for the development squad’s scheduling this year.

“We know the Checkatrade Trophy will provide a massive challenge for us and we look forward to testing ourselves.”