Jamal Lewis and Fabian Schar will have given new Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe food for thought following impressive displays in their latest Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Howe will take charge of his first match in charge of the Magpies against Brentford on Saturday after being confirmed as Steve Bruce's successor last week.
Lewis and Schar had both fallen out of favour under the previous head coach, with the pair both making just two appearances each in black-and-white so far this campaign.
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Neither have featured for the Magpies since September, with fans regularly questioning their omissions given the team's sustained struggles in defence.
However, the defenders will likely be given a chance to force their way back into the starting eleven under Howe,- and they both gave a good account of themselves in Monday night's qualifiers.
Lewis impressed on the left flank in Northern Ireland's goalless draw with European champions Italy, while Schar helped Switzerland to record a clean sheet and book their place in Qatar next year with a thumping victory over Bulgaria.
The defenders delivered performances which led Newcastle fans to believe they could be in contention to start against the Bees, and this is how supporters reacted on social media.
The results meant Italy must now go through the play-offs to qualify for next year's World Cup, although they will be seeded, along with Scotland, Portugal and Russia.
'Attacking tools and athleticism to thrive'
'Come back into the fold'
'Has to be a pick'
'Pocketing Chiesa'
'Prime Maldini'
'Someone explain please'
'Straight into the starting 11'
'Well done lad'
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