Newcastle United striker Xisco has been included in the squad that will face Club Brugge in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Deportivo la Coruna and has been used sparingly during his time on Tyneside but he did travel with the Magpies for their group fixture.

Manager Alan Pardew said: "I don't know how much pain he has gone though, if I am honest, I have not really sat down and spoken to him about that.

"My purpose at this football club is to try to get the best out of every individual, and I am trying to do that with him.

"I am not sure if he will be included tomorrow, if I am honest, but I wanted to bring him into the group just so he felt part of it."

Xisco joined Newcastle from Deportivo in 2008 for £5.7m.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill