Newcastle United have named two academy goalkeepers on their bench for the Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen.
When Eddie Howe announced his Newcastle United starting XI to face Bayer Leverkusen, there was surprise from fans at how strong it was.
There was a feeling that someone like Tino Livramento could be rested at the BayArena, but instead the Magpies went full strength.
But Howe was also forced to name two inexperienced goalkeepers on his bench, with Max Thompson and Adam Harrison part of the Newcastle United squad in Germany.
Name Newcastle United’s strongest midfield as it DEFINITELY isn’t Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton these days
We are so open all of the time in away games!
Newcastle United unable to pick John Ruddy against Bayer Leverkusen
Naming two goalkeepers on the bench in the Champions League is not new for Newcastle United. It has happened in every game so far, but this is the first time Howe has had to pick two academy players.
There are two reasons why. The first is that Nick Pope is injured, resulting in Aaron Ramsdale being promoted to the starting lineup. There are also various other first-team players unavailable due to fitness, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Emil Krafth absent.
That injury has seen John Ruddy jump up the pecking order, but he is not part of the Magpies’ Champions League squad and is therefore ineligible to play.
As a result, Howe called up 19-year-old Adam Harrison to join Thompson on the bench.
Neither have played for Newcastle United before at senior level.
Well, that was….predictable! What could Newcastle have done better here?
The green kit curse may be back 😧
Adam Harrison actually has Champions League experience with Newcastle United
The game against Bayer Leverkusen is not actually Harrison’s first involvement in a Champions League game.
He was on the bench when the Magpies faced AC Milan at the San Siro in September 2023.
Newcastle United drew 0-0 that day, with Pope keeping the Serie A giants at bay while being backed up by Harrison.