Benitez explains why he allowed popular player to depart Newcastle United this summer

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has gone on to reveal why he allowed Adam Armstrong to leave on loan this summer.

Armstrong enjoyed a wonderful loan spell at Coventry City last season where he managed to score a sensational 20 league goals and as a result of his fine exploits, it was widely believed that the 19-year-old would be handed a chance to earn regular first team football at St. James’ Park during the current Championship campaign.

A bit surprisingly though, manager Rafael Benitez decided to sign established names such as Dwight Gayle and Daryl Murphy this summer and the arrival of the duo as well as the presence of Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic meant that Armstrong was pushed down the pecking order at Newcastle.

On the final day of the summer window, Newcastle loaned out Armstrong to Championship side Barnsley and Benitez has now gone on to reveal that the teenage sensation was not handed a chance at St. James’ Park this season due to his inexperience.

“I agree that Adam is a good striker, he has good ability and it can be an exciting future for him,” he told the Chronicle.

“But at the moment he is still young and with not so much experience. The best thing for Adam’s development as a player is to go on loan to a club where he will play regularly.”