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Newcastle United players on the international stage this weekend

By Roy Emanuel

NATAL, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Christian Atsu of Ghana controls the ball against DaMarcus Beasley of the United States during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NATAL, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Christian Atsu of Ghana controls the ball against DaMarcus Beasley of the United States during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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A look at how some of the squad performed in Friday’s fixtures.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez may be in the midst of turmoil this week after inactivity on the transfer deadline day, but that that did not stop several Magpies from representing their nations on Friday.

Christian Atsu (Ghana) and Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo) each started for their countries, while Matt Ritchie was a second-half substitute for Scotland. Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia) and Ciaran Clark (Ireland) may see action in today’s FIFA World Cup qualifying encounters as well.

Newcastle United return to Premier League play at Swansea City on September 10.

Christian Atsu – Ghana

Both Ghana and Congo came into Friday’s qualifier desperately needing a result, each looking up at Egypt and Uganda in their group. And it was the Newcastle winger who helped to bring just that for the Black Stars.

Atsu recorded an assist on the equalising Ghana goal in the 86th minute, with the match finishing as a 1-1 draw. The crowd couldn’t help commenting on the Premier League though, with the infamous “Wenger Out” sign making an appearance.

Chancel Mbemba – DR Congo

It was a frustrating evening for DR Congo, dropping a 2-1 result at Tunisia. Despite excellent performances along the back-line for Newcastle recently, Chancel Mbemba’s change to the midfield by his national team did not produce positive results.

The defender was deployed centrally, and at times looked lost in the squad’s shape.

A late yellow card in the final minutes only added to his struggles.

Matt Ritchie – Scotland

Scotland earned a comfortable 3-0 victory at Lithuania, and now sit four points back of second-place Slovakia in their qualifying group. Matt Ritchie helped to see out the victory in the second half.

The Newcastle midfielder took a chance from distance soon after coming on, and put in a good showing overall.

Meanwhile England secured a 4-0 victory at Malta, although there will be plenty of critics for the Three Lions after a dreadful first half.

Next: Deadline day anger for Newcastle United supporters

Newcastle United will want all of their players fit and in good form ahead of the Swansea match. If they can also gain confidence during international play, then Benitez will be even more pleased.

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