The 6ft 4ins defender Ludwig Francillette has impressed since he joined Newcastle - and if he makes his debut it will mark an incredible rise.
A centre-back, his transfer to Newcastle was hailed as one of the stories of the summer back in France.
Just 12 months ago, he was in the reserve team of AS Quetigny Football – a small regional league club that plays in the outskirts of Dijon in the sixth tier of France’s football pyramid.
He was spotted by a Newcastle scout who operates in the lower leagues in France and after a short trial impressed enough to secure a short-term deal with the under-23s.
When he signed a photo of him in the stadium did the rounds on social media and got fans speculating about a major signing. Instead it was Francillette - but it was still some story.
It was a story that made headlines in France, where his incredible rise was seen as one of the transfer stories of the summer.
But since joining Newcastle he has knuckled down and impressed with his determination, desire and versatility.
His size helps but he is also eager to get forward, and rekindled memories of his short time as a striker in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The kid who came from the regional leagues
