Young players from the Mahd Sports Academy watched on closely as the Magpies were put through their paces at the home training base of Al-Ittihad FC, before going through their own drills in front of an impressed Eddie Howe and his team.

Kieran Trippier with youngsters from Mahd Academy

The Mahd Sports Academy is a national project in Saudi Arabia that discovers and develops talented athletes from the age of six across the country, both in individual and team sports.

Ed Graper, Executive Football Director for Mahd Academy, said: "Attending Newcastle United’s training session and meeting the staff and players was a great and unique experience for Mahd Academy players.

"The Newcastle team took time to enjoy football with our players and they showed their passion for the game.

Eddie Howe chats with Ed Graper

"It meant a lot to our players and it will definitely inspire them to be there and play in the Premier League one day.

"We wish Eddie Howe, the players and staff of Newcastle United all the best in the second half of the season."

The Magpies jetted out to Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp on Sunday and they will play a behind-closed-doors training fixture with Al-Ittihad on Friday evening before returning to the UK.