Rafa’s New Year resolution is to make up his mind on futures of young Newcastle stars who are coming to the end of loan spells

NEWCASTLE United boss Rafa Benitez has loan decisions to make as a host of youngsters await news on where they will spend the second half of the season.

Benitez wanted Adam Armstrong, Sean Longstaff, Alex Gilliead and Stuart Findlay to head out on loan in the summer.

However, their deals are about to expire at the start of January. Chief Sports Writer

The Magpies must decide whether to recall their second-string players or ensure they continue to get regular first-team football.

Here is a half-term report for some of the United young guns who are due back on Tyneside for the New Year. ADAM ARMSTRONG

The 20-year-old has yet to impress as greatly as he did at Coventry City two seasons ago.

He spent last year at Barnsley but the goals did not flow and it has been a similar story at Bolton Wanderers although he has been shifted out to the left-wing.

Armstrong has just three goals to his name so far and with his loan deal about to expire there is every chance Newcastle will renew it if Bolton make that request.

Armstrong said: “Nobody knows what the future holds or what might happen in January but all I can do is keep kicking on, working hard and giving my all for Bolton.”

The England under-20 international is clear to play in the FA Cup for United if Benitez needs him.