Out-of-favour Spanish striker Xisco could be set for another loan move from Newcastle.
Toon boss could let Spanish striker gain game-time elsewhere
Out-of-favour Spanish striker Xisco could be set for another loan move from Newcastle.
The 24-year-old returned to the club this summer but after a promising pre-season has played only 18 minutes for the first team so far this term.
A red card in the reserves' Tyne-Wear derby in September did not help his cause as it saw him banned for three games, and there now appears little prospect of him breaking into Chris Hughton's startling line-up given the Magpies boss has tended to deploy a lone striker.
Shola Ameobi is battling it out with Andy Carroll to be first-choice up front against Wigan on Saturday, while Danish forward Peter Lovenkrands seems to be next in line.
Xisco will get another chance to impress in the reserves at Blackpool on Wednesday but Hughton is already contemplating whether a second loan departure would be best for himself and the club.
"Xisco has had to bide his time this season and it has been hard for him because he's not had many minutes," Hughton told
the Chronicle.
Development
"He's played in a couple of reserve games, but he's found it hard to get in the side, as have a number of other players. At this stage in his development, that is difficult for him, I'm sure.
"With regards to a loan, he's one that we're continuing to assess. It is a matter of progress with him and sometimes first-team football is what helps you there, so it's a possibility.
"But I have emphasised to all of them who aren't in the team that they have to keep pushing hard for selection. If they do that then the door isn't shut to anyone."
Newcastle signed Xisco from Deportivo La Coruna for £5.7million in September 2008 but he made just seven appearances in 2008/09, scoring once.
Good attitude
Last season the former Spain Under 21 international returned to his homeland to join Racing Santander on loan before arriving back at St James' Park and attempting to revive his Newcastle career.
"He came back in the summer and his attitude has been very good," Hughton added.
"He worked hard and showed a very good approach in training.
"It is no reflection on his effort or application that we've decided to use other players so far."
