Newcastle United man set for exit after Hull City start & the 17-year-old 'to watch out for'

It's just pre-season, aye, but it's nice to win, too - and Newcastle United did just that down at Hull City.

Nothing is won and lost at this time of year, in reality, but it's also our first chance, in the UK, to take a look at what has been going on behind the scenes at Benton in pre-season, ahead of what is set to be a massive season for Eddie Howe's men.

First-half goals from Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy ensured the Magpies signed off before their trip to Japan with a win.

And here's five talking points from the encounter.

Hall action show from makeshift midfielder

I have to say, even with numbers light, the last thing I expected to see was Lewis Hall in midfield.

Having spent a full season learning the role of left-back - as well as getting 'Eddie Howe fit' - it was mildly surprising to see him put back into a midfield role, even if it is one where he spent much of his youth career for Chelsea.

It's fair to say, however, it was a composed show, with Hall orchestrating much of what United did well. He was dropped into a left-back later in the first-half.

Unexpected positive - but one that likely won’t last

If Jamal Lewis had just walked through the door, you'd think he looked like a shrewd signing.

Good size, athletic, lovely left foot, good delivery. Played well at left-back, then a little further forward in a wing-back slot.

Defensively, his game leaves a lot to be desired, but that's something we didn't already know.

I mean, will he be at Newcastle when the window closes? It would be a surprise, but he put in a good pre-season show, all told.

Pope shows just what NUFC have missed

When analysing Nick Pope, lots focus on the player's imperfections - but a real show of his strengths ensured Newcastle kept things clean at the MKM Stadium.

He was strong aerially, taking balls out the skies at will, as well as producing what was the save of the match when one-handed he clawed out a powerful Regan Slater header.

He’s not perfect, but he’s without doubt one of the best keepers in the land, despite his flaws - and if anyone needed reminding of that, you only have to look at last season.

First look at kids

Managing minutes in pre-season is key - and Howe did just that from 63 minutes onwards as we saw NINE subs in the second period.

And while some of the kids coming off the bench had been seen before at senior level, this was the first look Newcastle fans got at Trevan Sanusi, not long turned 17, and Alfie Harrison, 18.

Early signs were very positive for Harrison, as he demanded the ball from the moment he stepped on the park, showing he’s a lad not short on confidence, but a shift to the right saw his influence very quickly wane. It can happen with young players.

A little filling out is needed, you’d imagine, before he’s ready to make waves for the Magpies’ first XI.

Sanusi was one of the bright sparks. For such a young lad he also oozed confidence. One drop of the shoulder and break was the highlight of a second period largely spent on the back foot. Definitely looks one to watch, although again, he may need some time to grow into it physically.

Centre-half depth an issue

Look, a win was a win, but what's an analysis without a little bit of criticism? I think one thing that really came to the fore watching this one, was the absolute lack of options at centre-half.

I like Dan Burn and Emil Krafth is a solid performer, but if that partnership is needed for any length of time in the Premier League next season, trouble is brewing.

Fabian Schar will return, of course, and when Lloyd Kelly gets fit - as mentioned above, 'Eddie Howe fit' - United have bodies, but you still feel a little injection of quality wouldn't go amiss.