It has been a challenging start to the new season for Newcastle United Under-21s - but their three-week break from league fixtures offers a chance to reflect and take stock for new lead coach Adam Lawrence.

Former Middlesbrough defender Robbie Stockdale oversaw the opening weeks of the season on an interim basis as the Magpies looked to finalise an agreement with Manchester United academy coach Lawrence.

The campaign got underway on a positive note with a thrilling 4-3 win in a National League Cup tie at Gateshead as captain Cathal Heffernan headed a late goal to earn a dramatic victory for his side. However, United’s league campaign has been one of struggle as Sunday’s 4-1 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur means the Magpies youngsters have claimed just two points from their first six Premier League 2 fixtures.

There is a busy schedule in place between now and the turn of the year as the Magpies Under-21s also enter the Premier League International Cup and face the likes of Real Sociedad, Paris Saint-Germain and Croatia Zagreb before the festive period.

But there will...