Pardew praises Ferguson´s rise

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says he is delighted with the development of young starlet Shane Ferguson.

The Northern Ireland international was disappointed to have been ruled out of his country’s clash against Portugal on Tuesday but Pardew is optimistic that he could return to club action on October 21, with his hip injury hoped not to sideline him from the Tyne-Wear derby.

Pardew told the Newcastle Chronicle: “His (Ferguson’s) development down that left is going to be a threat for us, whether he’s at left-back or left midfield.

“I’ve been pleased with him these last few games. When you think about it, it was his deliveries which caused a lot of problems.”

The youngster was substituted in Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester United, having made three assists in three games, and Pardew explained that he made the decision to protect his charger.

“Fergie, I felt, played well against United,” he said. “We only took him off because he was tired.”

Another one of Newcastle’s academy products, Paul Dummet, has also been making a name for himself on loan in the Scottish Premier League with St Mirren.

Former Newcastle coach Tommy Craig, now on the backroom staff at the Scottish side, added: “Dummy’s making steady progress and we’re delighted. This is a great experience for him.”