Can this Newcastle outcast earn a key role ahead of this season?

With a lack of squad depth on the wings, could this afterthought at Newcastle United be playing his way into the rotation?

Newcastle United are at their best when Miguel Almiron is playing as a number ten rather than on the wing. The problem is that the club doesn’t have great options to play out wide, opposite Allan Saint-Maximin. While they are working on adding some options from the outside, there is a player already on the roster that could help fill that void.

The ChronicleLive reported that Jacob Murphy impressed again in the Magpies’ friendly loss to Stoke City. He was active and had a couple of quality looks at goal. Earlier this summer, Steve Bruce seemed to indicated that he was willing to move the 25-year-old. But, will a positive preseason make the Newcastle manager reconsider?

Considered to be on his way out with rumored interest from Rangers, Murphy very well could find himself in the rotation for the upcoming season. After scoring nine goals and six assists in the Championship on loan with West Brom last season, Murphy seems to be playing with confidence ahead of next weekend’s opener vs. West Ham United. He has good pace and should be motivated to break into the squad for his favorite club growing up, especially entering his final contract year.

Is Murphy suddenly going to be a star in the Premier League? Unlikely. But, he’s still young enough to take a major step in his development. Whether it’s for a few weeks while a newcomer gets adjusted, until the winter transfer window, or the full season, Murphy could be on track to be a key contributor on the right wing for the Magpies.