Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has left some of his star names behind as they head out to face Greek outfit Atromitos.
Toon teenager Adam Campbell could be headed his debut
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has left some of his star names behind as they head out to face Greek outfit Atromitos in the Europa League.
The Magpies have not been involved in European action since 2007 but Pardew's approach to this tie could be explained by the fact his side will face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Pardew's side will play their first leg of their Europa League clash on Thursday at the modest 10,000 capacity Peristeri Stadium, which is situated in the suburbs of Athens.
However, they will do so without a host of their stellar names as they face a team that finished fourth in the Greek Super League last year.
Skipper Fabricio Coloccini, midfielder Cheick Tiote, strikers Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi and youngsters Shane Ferguson and Haris Vuckic were all left behind.
It is a decision that Pardew will hope does not come back to haunt him as he tries to ensure his troops are fresh for their encounter against the European champions on Saturday.
Summer signings Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano will hope for a chance to make their mark, while Vurnon Anita, who completed his move from Ajax last week, could be in line for a first start.
Pardew could even turn to teenage striking sensation Adam Campbell, who scored a hat-trick for the development team against Spurs at the weekend.
Campbell would become the club's youngest European debutant if he were involved, breaking Andy Carroll's record of 17 years and 300 days.
