Flavio da Silva (Sporting Covilhã)
Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United revolution is sweeping through every aspect of the football club - including at Under-21 level.
Improving the quality of coaching - and more importantly the quality of players - in the Academy and United’s youth set-up is crucial for the Magpies’ future success.
As a result, Under-21 boss Peter Beardsley is being actively encouraged during pre-season to give opportunities to some exciting trialists, with three having featured during the opening two games.
Only one - Flavio da Silva - has played in both matches, however, after coming on as a 58th-minute substitute during the 5-1 victory over Darlington on Saturday.
The former Benfica youth product - who was released by the Portuguese club earlier this year - looked lively for the second game in succession, using his powerful running ability to cause the Darlo defence problems.
Though he did not get his name on the scoresheet, Da Silva also tested Darlo keeper Peter Jameson twice - and he also curled a 20-yard effort just round the far post - as he took advantage of the space afforded to him by the home side’s back four.
The 20-year-old has played for Portugal at youth level and Beardsley has clearly seen something in the forward, given that Da Silva has now featured in two pre-season matches.
Asked about the trialists after the game, Beardsley said: “We had one trialist against Darlo, but it’s very hard for them.
“It’s never easy going on trial, but they’ve been good lads, they’ve integrated into the group well.
“They’ve been top class so I have no complaints about any of them.”
Whether or not Da Silva - or either of the other two trialists who played against Bradford Park Avenue earlier this month, defender George Ede and forward Tyler Harvey - will be handed a United deal remains to be seen, however.
Who are the players on trial?
Flavio da Silva (Sporting Covilhã)
The 20-year-old striker has been freed by Benfica B. He played for Portugal Under-19s but his current club play in the Portuguese lower leagues. The right-footed striker played against Liverpool Under-19s in the youth Champions League last year.
George Ede
A free agent who has been involved in the non-league circles in the South East. He has played for Croydon and is a defender.
Otto Huuhtanen (Ilves Tampere)
The 16-year-old goalkeeper has travelled to Tyneside for a trial. His side are third in the Finnish top flight and he has featured on the bench for them. The Finland Under-16 international has also been on trial at Norwich.
Tyler Harvey (Plymouth)
Turned down a first-team deal at Plymouth due to a lack of first team chances. He was on loan at Bath City last season and the striker was nominated for a non-league goal of the season award.