![\"Leo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Newcastle-United-FC-Training-Session-And-Press-Conference-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-League-Kno..jpeg\")
<\/p>\nThe Magpies are getting ready for the second leg against the side from Azerbaijan<\/p>\n
13:54, 23 Feb 2026Updated 14:35, 23 Feb 2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Leo Shahar of Newcastle United in training ahead of the tie with Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is toying with the idea of naming a clutch of youngsters in his starting XI against Qarabag.<\/p>\n
The likes of Sean Neave and Leo Shahar played 45 minutes of the 3-0 second-string stroll against Fulham on Friday night and are braced for action against the side from Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n
Striker Neave came off the bench for the 6-1 win in Baku and is eager to add to his experience at St James’ Park with a home debut looking on the cards.<\/a><\/p>\n The 18-year-old Shahar comes into contention with Kieran Trippier due a rest after playing in the last four matches without a break. Howe must also consider whether to use Republic of Ireland youngster Alex Murphy.<\/p>\n FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle\u2019s dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n The 21-year-old has only been afforded a couple of cameos in 2026 and is desperate for some action. Murphy also did not start against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup after being held back from a loan deal last summer.<\/p>\n With Newcastle 6-1 up, the question of when the youngsters will be given their chance has cropped up within the fanbase. But Howe sees the second leg of the play-offs against Qarabag – with that healthy lead – as the chance to give some of the kids a taste of the big time.<\/p>\n Howe will face the media at St James’ Park this afternoon, but had his say on playing youngsters last week and said: \u201cThe pathway is there for all the players in the various age groups beneath the first-team.<\/p>\n “At the moment, we have Sean Neave and Leo Shahar training regularly with the first team and doing really well. I am really happy with them. So the window is open and we encourage that.”<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re delighted they’re with us and we hope to give them opportunities in the future, if they deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: Newcastle United handed double injury boost ahead of Qarabag tie<\/a><\/p>\n As Chronicle Live reported on Saturday night, Sven Botman has not suffered any type of setback and trained ahead of the second leg with Malick Thiaw suspended and Fabian Schar injured.<\/p>\n Yoane Wissa also featured in training after missing last week’s first leg and the 2-1 defeat at Man City.<\/p>\n Legends of Newcastle United – Our special publication is on sale now. A new special publication<\/a>, Legends of Newcastle United, recalls the finest footballers to have worn the famous black and white jersey of the Magpies.<\/p>\n The Chronicle’s legendary NUFC writer John Gibson has selected his greatest-ever Newcastle players and managers, penning tributes to these icons of the beautiful game, famed for their footballing brilliance on Tyneside and beyond.<\/p>\n Buy your copy today HERE<\/a> or in participating supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents from Wednesday, February 18.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_NUFC-Legends-Standalone_Facebook_Landscape_1200x630px.jpg\")
<\/p>\n