Newcastle United 19-year-old called up to first team training just months after free transfer
Newcastle United have called up the 19-year-old striker to first-team training as they prepare for the visit to Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United academy striker Afner Ca has stayed with the first team as they prepare for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
The Guinea-Bissau frontman joined the Magpies in the summer on a free transfer after leaving La Liga side Levante and has made an immediate impact at under-21s level.
Ca made his debut in a pre-season friendly draw with National League North side Spennymoor Town before grabbing his first goal in a 3-1 win at League Two outfit York City in an EFL Trophy tie last month.
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He then made a big impression by scoring a brace in a 4-1 Premier League Cup victory against Luton Town just under a fortnight ago and, days later, produced another promising display in a 2-1 National League Cup win at Hartlepool United last Tuesday.
As a reward for his strong start with the club’s second string, Ca was called up to the matchday squad for the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday but, as the 21st man, wasn’t named on the bench.
Matthias Jaissle’s side have been preparing for their trip to south London this weekend, and Ca has remained part of the group, as revealed by training pictures released by the club.
Fellow under-21s duo Mason Miley and Harry Johnston were also pictured. Miley was recently named on the bench for Premier League matches against Leeds United and Hull City, while Johnston, like Miley, featured for Jaissle during pre-season.
Neither of the trio are expected to be involved against Palace with Jaissle close to a full strength squad. £51million summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo felt ill during the Villa defeat but it is hoped he’ll be well enough to travel to Palace.
The trip may come too soon for Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey, but both players are understood to be close to a return after six weeks out. Both Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen are sidelined with knee injuries, but only the latter is thought to be out long-term.