As reported by The Chronicle, Achraf Lazaar played 90 minutes for Newcastle United’s Under 23 side yesterday, as they drew 1-1 with West Brom.
Lazaar reportedly put in an impressive display in front of manager Rafa Benitez, who was watching from the stands.
The left back is still struggling to break into the United first team, following a summer move from Palermo, but could feature in the EFL Cup tie against Hull City next week.
The Moroccan international delivered some great crosses, as well as showing great flashes of trickery against the Baggies development side.
However, Lazaar was not the only first team player on show. Striker Daryl Murphy and fullback Massadio Haidara also featured.
Murphy, who finds himself in a similar position to Lazaar, whereby he is struggling to break into the first team after his move from Ipswich, due mainly to the fine form of those in front of him including the Championships leading scorer Dwight Gayle, scored the goal for Newcastle before being substituted at half time.
As for Haidara, it has been some time since he played 90 minutes, making this a great first step in his comeback. He may get have a part to play in Newcastle’s fortunes, despite falling further down the pecking order, since his injury.
