BBC Kilmarnock have signed forward Cal Roberts, midfielder Sean Longstaff and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on loan from Newcastle until the end of the season. The three 19-year-olds have mostly featured for United's Under-23 team, although Roberts did make his senior debut in an FA Cup match a year ago. Longstaff, who plays as a 'number 10', has been a regular scorer for Peter Beardsley's U23 side this season. Woodman has represented England up to Under-19 level. He started his career at Crystal Palace before moving to Newcastle's academy set-up in 2013, and has also had loan spells with Hartlepool United and Crawley Town. Their arrival continues manager Lee Clark's January transfer activity, after extending full-back Luke Hendrie's loan spell while four other players have returned to their parent clubs. Could give them some good experience.
We need them to progress, particularly young Roberts. Someone mentioned recently he'd hardly set the world alight at Gateshead. Ability and potential is all, but as we've seen with Aarons, you need to get out on the pitch and do it. Like Aarons I still think Roberts has a bright future but someone needs to nurture his talent and he needs to make it happen. Longstaff is an interesting one. Plays a role we could have done with giving a young player an opportunity. Been a regular scorer too. Slightly surprised we haven't given him a sniff. Hopefully he'll do well, they all will and can bolster the squad. They all need to improve of course but they are young.