The 'neglect' of rising stars such as Ivan Toney is a mistake Newcastle United's owners can not afford to repeat. That is the view of ChronicleLive columnist Lee Clark, who is confident Eddie Howe has already proven he will give academy talent a chance to shine.
Toney left Tyneside in 2018 after making just two senior appearances in black-and-white, and a succession of loan spells. The former Magpies prospect made an immediate impact with Peterborough United, and earned a move to Brentford just two years later.
Toney backed up a record-breaking campaign in the Championship with an impressive return of 12 goals in his debut Premier League season. A 'sensational' start to the new season has earned the 26-year-old a maiden international callup from Gareth Southgate ahead of England's Nations League fixtures.
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Former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez insists he was not informed about the striker prior to his sale. The Magpies were even linked with a possible summer swoop before opting for a club-record deal for Alexander Isak.
Clark is confident that with the appointment of sporting director Dan Ashworth, the pathway from Newcastle's academy to the first team is under review. Elliot Anderson is the latest to make this step up, and the former midfielder is adamant the mistake of allowing the likes of Toney to slip through their fingers can not be repeated.
Clark told ChronicleLive: "This was a player that's probably been typical of can I say the word neglect? It's a tough word, but the neglect of young players in the academy, we'd rather go out and try and spend some money on someone who wasn't probably as good and move Ivan on and not give him the chance.
"He wasn't given a chance at Newcastle in any way shape or form. He went to Peterborough and did terrific after a few loan deals, then went on to Brentford and did brilliant with them. He's come up with them and has been sensational in the last 18 months.
"I think this is something the club are addressing and looking at. These Ivan Toney situations cannot be allowed to happen anymore. They've got to be allowed to be given a chance at the football club.
"I certainly believe Howe will give them a chance if they're good enough, and certainly Ivan fits that bill. These lads can flourish from the academy and can come into the first team. That's one area of the club that that isn't producing at this moment in time."
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