Garang Kuol set to be handed Newcastle United chance as summer transfer decision looms
It has taken almost two years but Garang Kuol has finally kicked a ball in a Newcastle United shirt - and the youngster looks like he will get at least one more chance to prove his worth before a decision is made over his future.
Kuol emerged from the bench in the 71st minute during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, in his native Melbourne, but struggled to have an impact in the closing stages as Newcastle pushed for a winner. The 19-year-old did calmly score his penalty as Eddie Howe's youngsters netted five from five in the resulting shootout, prompting a warm reaction from the sidelines as Newcastle's senior stars showed how much they were backing their team-mate.
After two tricky loan spells away from Tyneside, Kuol's hotly-anticipated move has proved a bit of a damp squib. Newcastle supporters will want to see more before making a final judgement call and will likely see the former Central Coast Mariners star feature again on Friday when the Magpies take on an A-League All Star XI.
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"We will play a younger team. A lot of our internationals will move back to their various countries to prepare for tournaments," Howe said after Tuesday's clash with Tottenham.
Kuol was shipped out on loan to Scottish side Hearts upon his arrival on Tyneside, with Newcastle chiefs believing the Australian contingent at Tynecastle would help the youngster settle in the UK. With that plan failing, Dutch side Volendam were tasked with giving Kuol a chance to excel.
The attacker has again struggled, while fellow youngster Yankuba Minteh flourished at the opposite end of the Eredivisie table, and a decision must now be made over the summer with Kuol at a crossroads in his Newcastle career.
“It was a good experience,” Kuol told ESPN regarding his Volendam stint. “I started the season, and you got hit by reality. Things change a lot, new coaches, new staff – a lot can change in football.
“It’s good to experience that and just put it in the backpack and move on. Football is not a race, it’s a journey. Things happen. You get ups and downs. You’ve got to you’ve got to push through it and keep working.”
Another loan move looks likely, while there is a possibility Howe decides to move him on permanently. As it stands, Kuol has work to do with regards to playing a part in Newcastle's first-team in the coming months.