News. Youngsters' consistency pleases Peter

20161125-peter-beardsley
Published
25 Nov 16

Earlier this week, only an 84th-minute penalty from West Bromwich Albion's Jack Fitzwater denied United a fourth consecutive win in all competitions, Daryl Murphy having given Beardsley's charges a half-time lead on his return from injury.

Another hectic period now lies on the horizon for the Magpies, beginning with Monday's Premier League 2 Division Two clash at Blackburn Rovers.

Irishman Murphy was one of three first team players involved against the Baggies, Achraf Lazaar and Massadio Haidara also on display as boss Rafa Benitez watched from the stands.

Beardsley felt that United's young guns largely did themselves justice in front of the Spaniard, Monday's encounter played out in testing conditions at Whitley Park.

"Certainly in the first-half, I thought they were really good," he told nufc.co.uk. "They're getting a bit of consistency. In terms of the team - apart from Monday - it has been a pretty consistent line-up as well. They're getting used to what each other does, and it's going well at the moment.

"As I've said before, it isn't always about winning, but obviously it isn't a bad habit to have. If you look at the example the first team are setting at the moment, it's just incredible.

"Daryl was brilliant with the kids, and he scored a great goal. And the big bonus on Monday was that Rafa was there. Whether it be the first team, the Under-23s, or the Under-11s, he is always interested, and that's an incredible way for him to be, because he doesn't have to (come and watch)."

Six of the Magpies' next seven fixtures are scheduled to take place away from home, beginning with Monday's clash at the Lancashire County FA.

Victory could see United climb into the top five of the Premier League 2's second-tier, opponents Blackburn currently two points - and two places - worse off.

Beardsley, however, insists he is paying little attention to Rovers' recent form, instead calling on his troops to focus on their own game first and foremost.

"We'll look at Blackburn, of course, but personally, I don't look at their form, because - as you have seen with our group - it can be up and down," he said. "You can have good days and bad days - just look at us.

"Look at the Wolves game (in October), where we lost 4-1. We didn't deserve to lose 4-1, but sometimes, you can't explain why it happened. (Form) is not something I really worry about that much. We look at the shape they play, and the odd thing here and there, but nothing major, and certainly not on the level of what the first team do.

"We have good people here. We have good analysts, and we have everything we need. We have it available, but sometimes - certainly at our level - you don't want to fill the players' heads with too much.

"Can they take in all the information? Does that affect how they play? There's a happy medium - we do give them the main points, but ideally, it's about how we play and what we do."

Beardsley's only fitness concern ahead of Monday's trip is in-form Sean Longstaff, who suffered a hand injury against the Baggies.

"If I'm being honest, I've got no idea if Sean will be fit for Monday," Beardsley said. "He's going to see the specialist today. Carl (Nelson, physio) is right on the case, and as soon as he has any information he will tell me."

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