I’m not throwing youngsters into relegation battle

RAFA SAYS STARS OF U23S WILL GET THEIR CHANCE WHEN THEY’RE READY

RAFA Benitez is refusing to bow to pressure to throw some of the youngsters into Newcastle United’s relegation battle.

The Toon boss is well aware of the solid progress made by Sean Longstaff, Cal Roberts and Elias Sorensen this season, but is wary of affecting their development.

Longstaff, on the verge of signing a new contract, is the closest to getting a first-team chance after impressing in the Under-23s and training in recent times.

However, Danish striker Sorensen, still just 19, is not deemed ready for senior action at the moment – despite blasting in 12 goals for the second string this term.

Benitez told the Chronicle: “We have been watching him and I had a conversation with Ben Dawson only yesterday.

“We have spoken about it. “Everybody wants to see young players coming through into the Academy and into the first team.

“When the team is in the Premier League it is more difficult.

“When the team is at the bottom of the Premier League it is even more difficult for them.

“You can put them into a difficult position.

“Do they have the character and personality to go straight into a team that isn’t winning?

“It is more difficult for the young players.”

Benitez handed Longstaff his senior debut in the League Cup in the 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest back in August and has named him on the bench in the Premier League three times.

Benitez says that he is constantly reviewing each player’s chances of getting a chance in the top flight.

The United chief said: “We keep an eye on them and time will tell us when they are ready.

“If we have to give them a chance we will. “But now is the time to let them develop, let them get more experience and hopefully the first team will be in a comfortable position and allow us to give us more chances in the future.” Newcastle handed Adam Armstrong his Premier League debut in 2014 with the player then struggling to add to his appearance tally.

Benitez feels that there is such a thing of handing a player his debut too early in the top flight.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager said: “Yeah.

“I have a lot of examples, some at different teams.”

Benitez then offered a reason why he fears throwing one of the kids in the first team pool before they are ready.

He said: “You don’t do it. “Especially when you are in a top side because everybody is expecting you to be the new Alan Shearer.

“When everybody is expecting that you have no chance.

“It is really important for the players and for us.

“We have to give confidence to them but also trust the manager because we are watching them.

“We’ll be really pleased to be bringing in players from the Academy.

“We want them to play and win in the first team.

“At this moment it is the time to give them some experience.”