Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett make surprise returns to action | OneFootball

Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett were unused substitutes on Saturday.

The Newcastle United duo watching on as their teammates brilliantly saw out a 1-0 win over Southampton, despite having to play 73 of the 101 minutes with only 10 mean.

However, Monday night saw a surprise return to action for both Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier.

Eddie Howe deciding to give them some derby action, playing for the reserves/under 21s against Sunderland.

The NUFC pair played the opening half at Whitley Park and helped United into a leading position at the break.

Anthony Munda with the Newcastle United goal, scoring on 20 minutes after playing a one-two with the impressive Alfie Harrison.

Star of the show though was Trevan Sanusi, the 17 year old causing the mackems all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery, rubber stamping the very positive impression he made when appearing in all six first team pre-season friendlies.

However, after the departure of Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier who had both impressed, it was Sunderland who had the upper hand after the break.

Then just when it looked like United had seen this win out, Sunderland scored with a couple of minutes to go, when Tutierov headed the equaliser.

So disappointment for the Newcastle United youngsters in having to settle for a draw but Eddie Howe will be well pleased, having seen Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier getting 45 minutes of action into their legs.

Considering the way the team played on Saturday against Southampton, especially when defending, it would be a major surprise to see either player starting at Bournemouth on Sunday.

However, very likely that we will see both Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett starting against Forest in the League Cup in eight days time, along with Sandro Tonali who will be at last free from suspension.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Sunday 25 August 2024 – Bournemouth v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 28 August 2024 – Nottingham Forest v Newcastle (8pm) Carabao Cup round two

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports

(The first international break of the season)

Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5pm) Sky Sports