Steve McClaren undecided on starting Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba
Thursday 6 August 2015 20:27, UK
Steve McClaren said he will make a late decision on whether to start new signings Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba for Newcastle United’s Premier League opener against Southampton.
The Serbia striker and DR Congo defender have impressed the Magpies boss in training and in the 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
But the duo have not had a full pre-season with Newcastle after being signed at the end of July.
And McClaren said he has a “couple of sleepless nights” until kick-off on Sunday to decide his team.
He said: “Certainly the game he [Mitrovich] played against Gladbach for half hour he impressed.
“He impressed in training but he hasn’t had many games.
“Is it to soon to start him? I have to make that decision. I’ve got a couple of sleepless nights to think about that one.”
The former Middlesbrough boss added: “He’s [Mbemba] has been backwards and forwards with visa applications and he’s trained with us for a couple of days.
“Against Gladbach he impressed.
"Those are the two players that haven’t been with us for the past few weeks. That’s one of the decisions I will have to make whether they start or not.”
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Mitrovic was signed by the Magpies for £13 million while Mbemba cost £8 million.
