Newcastle United defender included in squad after two-week training ban

The Magpies signed the 19-year-old for a nominal fee from Serbian top-flight side FK Jedinstvo Ub in the summer before loaning him to Eredivisie side Willem II.

He officially completed his move on Monday, September 2 but has had to wait almost a month to make his debut.

The centre-back was initially unable to link up with the Dutch club, instead reporting to the embassy in Belgrade to complete some formalities in regards to his visa. Serbia is not part of the EU so a GVVA is required for players who will spend more than three months in the Netherlands.

As well as being unable to feature in matches, Pivas was also banned from training with his new teammates until his visa was rubber-stamped just under a fortnight ago.

Willem opted against including Pivas in the squad for their trip to FC Utrecht as he worked on his fitness before introducing him as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Saturday.

Addressing the move to Holland, Picas said: “For my development, I mainly have to train and play minutes at the highest level. Willem II is known for giving young players a chance. I hope that I can gain experience here and then take that with me to my higher goal, playing in the Premier League.”

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Newcastle will be hoping Pivas enjoys a similar loan spell to Yankuba Minteh, who excelled at Feyenoord last term. It ultimately led to his £33million move to Brighton & Hove Albion, a sale United were forced to do in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Pivas recently received a glowing review from former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic — comparing him to Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic.

Darren Eales, CEO at Newcastle, recently said: “Miodrag is a promising talent with high potential. Our recruitment network is continuing to watch young players like Miodrag around the world with a view to identifying and developing them into first team players of the future.”