Newcastle United news: Matty Longstaff warned by pundit after ‘unexpected’ development
Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff must prove he belongs at a higher level during his loan spell at Mansfield.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, warned the 21-year-old that “his career is in his hands” after dropping down to England’s fourth tier.
Newcastle confirmed Longstaff’s move to promotion-chasing Mansfield in the final hours of transfer deadline day (31 January).
This move comes after his season-long loan with Aberdeen was cut short in December.
Longstaff, the younger brother of Magpies ace Sean, burst onto the Premier League scene with a stunning debut goal against Man United in 2019.
Whelan urged the youngster to “prove himself” with the Stags in order to realise his lofty potential.
“With the incomings at Newcastle, there were always going to be exits,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“For Matty right now it’s just important that he gets some first-team football under his belt.
“Mansfield may not have been the level he was expecting to end up at, but it’s a club with a good manager and a really confident side.
“It’s up to the player now, how he makes a success of this spell. His career is in his hands.
“He won’t have turned his nose up at the challenge, and I’m sure he’ll bring something to that side which could turn heads in that league and make Mansfield stronger.
“He’s got to go out there and prove to himself, to Newcastle, and to any potential interested parties.”
Longstaff made just five Scottish Premiership appearances for Aberdeen during his spell with the Dons this term.
The midfielder’s St James’ Park contract expires at the end of the season.
In other news, Newcastle set to axe long-serving defender from squad after transfer collapse.