Go for it, boss tells his shadow squad players

Chief Newcastle United Writer RAFA Benitez has urged Newcastle United’s shadow squad to seize their opportunity in the FA Cup against Blackburn Rovers tonight or risk spending a large chunk of the season on the sidelines.

The likes of Joselu, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy and Ciaran Clark could all start against the Sky Bet Championship side and, rather than deem his cup selection as a weakened side, Benitez believes this is the chance for those players to show what they can do.

Ahead of the clash at St James’ Park (5.30), the Spaniard told the Chronicle: “Some of the players have to see this as their opportunity.

“They have trained well this week and are very good professionals so I think they can do well.

“For us as a club it is good to get through and it is an opportunity to go through and have more games.

“We would like to stay in the competition and do well.”

However, Benitez insisted the Premier League has to be the priority for the Magpies and went on: “I always say the same.

“I do not want to lie to the fans,

we have to manage both things, we have to use the squad to be sure we can compete in the FA Cup.

“At the same time we have to keep an eye on the Premier League.

“Both things are important and we have to go one game at a time. “In this case you cannot risk players who have played three or four games in a row.

“If they are tired they have more chance of becoming injured. “You have to manage that situation.

“Players have trained hard but not Rafa Benitez Players like Joselu, Javier Manquilo, Ciaran Clark and Jacob Murphy can seize their opportunity to impress in the FA Cup

In this case you cannot risk players who have played three or four games in a row

had a chance to play so this is there opportunity.”

Rovers’ boss Tony Mowbray has already insisted he will field a strong side as the Ewood Park outfit eyes a shock on Tyneside.

Benitez admits it will not be easy against the 15th-placed Lancastrians, who arguably have nothing to play for in the Championship.

With Mowbray’s outfit looking a good bet to stay up but probably unable to mount a serious play-off challenge, this tie is effectively the highlight of their season.

Benitez added: “It is always difficult in these type of games because Blackburn will come here with a strong team and try to do their best.

“We have to do the same but it will be the opportunity for some players to make a contribution for the team now and the rest of the season.”

Benitez also reflected on an open letter to Mike Ashley which was put together by fans to make their point about the January window.

He said: “The communications department is really good so they have passed me the information.

“The fans are saying they want to compete, they want to stay in the Premier League.

“The fans have been fantastic all season.

“They have the ambition to do something good for this club. I can understand what they think.

“At the same time, my position is I will not talk about the transfer window because I have to concentrate on just coaching the team.”