Hall handed chance to take first steps back on to the international scene

WHEN Lewis Hall's foot injury finally got the better of him in February, it ended not only what had been an excellent season for Newcastle United, but his chances of furthering his England career, at least in the short term.

- Stuart Jamieson

The United left-back is still making his way back into first-team action seven months on, and after starting at Bournemouth and Bradford, the 21-year-old was taken out of the firing line by head coach Eddie Howe for the games against Arsenal and Union Saint-Gilloise.

Newcastle will continue to be cautious with the young defender as they look to ensure his recovery is not hampered by the need to rush him back into action, but the hope is that he will soon be able to play a full part in United’s crammed schedule.