Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is facing a potential selection crisis ahead of Wednesday night’s FA Cup third-round replay against Birmingham City - with as many as 13 Magpies unavailable.

Injuries to Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden and Vurnon Anita during the 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday further depleted the Spaniard’s squad, which had already been ravaged by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, fitness problems and players being cup-tied.

Given the extent of Benitez’s injury problems - he may only have 16 senior players available for the replay - the 56-year-old may yet need to promote youngsters from Peter Beardsley’s Under-23 squad.

The reserve side headed down to South Wales over the weekend for a friendly against Swansea City at 7pm tonight, which could restrict their potential involvement on Wednesday night.

But, should Benitez decide to dip into Beardsley’s development squad, here’s six youngsters who could feature for United’s first team against Birmingham:

Curtis Good - defender

The 23-year-old has by his own admission had a “horrible couple of years” with injuries but the one-cap Australia international has been back playing regularly for the Under-23s this season.

Loan spells at Bradford City and Dundee United have not delivered the experience necessary for the centre-back to really make his mark back at St James’ Park.

Surprisingly, however, Good revealed to ChronicleLive in July that Benitez told him his first-team opportunities were not entirely extinguished as long as he can “prove you can still play at the top level physically”.

If Benitez needs a defender to turn to against Birmingham, Good could well get the nod.

Stuart Findlay - defender

Another centre-back playing for United’s development side but of who a promising future is expected, Findlay has been capped 13 times by Scotland Under-21s and is seen as a leader of the future.

Interestingly, the 6ft 3in defender also has a decent amount of first-team experience thanks to three loan spells during his time at Celtic, including makes 27 league appearances for Kilmarnock last season.

The 21-year-old was signed over the summer from Scottish champions Celtic and has been a regular under Beardsley this term, making 11 league appearances.

poll loading Would you risk Shelvey on Wednesday? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

Stefan Broccoli - midfielder

Still only 18, former Arsenal youngster Broccoli remains a player of who big things are expected.

Able to play at right-back, central-midfield or out wide, Broccoli’s versatility has sometimes acted against him as he has been utilised in a variety of different positions.

The Peterborough-born midfielder - who reportedly met with United owner Mike Ashley before signing for the Magpies - may be slight of build, but he is technically talented and gifted in possession.

Dan Barlaser - midfielder

The 19-year-old midfielder signed a long-term professional deal with the Magpies 13 months ago and has since gone from strength to strength for United’s reserve side.

Barlaser, who is comfortable either as a central-midfielder or out on the wing, has represented both Turkey and England at youth-international level.

A midfielder with an eye for goal, the Gateshead-born youngster has made 14 league appearances so far this season for Beardsley’s Under-23 side and was named on the bench for the first team on a couple of occasions last season - though he is expected to head out on loan later this month.

(Image: Newcastle United)

Yasin Ben El-Mhanni - winger

The 21-year-old - who has been labelled the “non-League Riyad Mahrez” - was snapped up on a permanent deal last summer after United beat off competition from Leicester City, Norwich City and Arsenal for the London-born forward.

But El-Mhanni’s real claim to fame is the fact that he has doubled for the likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo in adverts for football boots - with his outrageous skills making him somewhat of a Youtube sensation.

El-Mhanni, who is of Moroccan heritage, even regularly flies around the world to teach others his trademark skills, or merely to show them off.

It only takes a few minutes of watching the winger in action to realise he has something unique about him; his ability to manoeuvre the ball like he has it attached to a string is marvellous to watch.

Should Benitez require an additional bit of flair to sprinkle into his side, then El-Mhanni could well be thrown into the first team as a left-field option.

Tom Heardman - forward

The 6ft 4in striker - dubbed the ‘new Andy Carroll - was loaned out to Hartlepool earlier this season but, since his return to Tyneside, he has been on fine form for United’s Under-23 side.

Earlier this month, the 21-year-old netted two hat-tricks in as many matches against Burnley and then Bradford City.

With Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic out injured, should Benitez decide he wants to protect Daryl Murphy for league action then Heardman would be the striker to bring into the first-team fold.