Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United side are where many thought they would be following their relegation from the Premier League, top of the Sky Bet Championship and on course for promotion.

Newcastle have a point advantage over second placed Brighton and Hove Albion, and a five point cushion over third placed Huddersfield Town.

The Magpies were active during the summer transfer window, following their relegation, singing experienced Championship players including Matt Ritchie, Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle.

As expected some of Newcastle’s stars have shone this season, with Clark putting in impressive displays in defence and Gayle becoming the first Magpies’ player to score 20-goals in a season since Alan Shearer.

Along with former England international Jonjo Shelvey managing games from the middle of midfield for Benitez’s side.

Despite their depth in quality options, Benitez has given some of the club’s young players opportunities this season, most recently in the FA Cup.

Here we look at two of Newcastle’s emerging young stars, fans should be getting excited about:

Jamie Sterry

The young right-back spent time during the first-half of the season, on-loan with League One strugglers Coventry City, and despite the Sky Blues’ disappointing form, Sterry impressed.

Sterry has featured twice for Benitez this season, once in the EFL Cup tie with Cheltenham Town, back in August and as a substitute in the 4-0 victory over Rotherham United last month.

The 21-year old has shown real signs of developing into a regular first-team player for Newcastle and may be given more first-team opportunities between now and the end of the season.

Vurnon Anita’s recent injury has left DeAndre Yedlin as Benitez’s only senior right-back, leaving the door open for Sterry to push for more opportunities with the first-team.

Dan Barlaser

Barlaser has represented both England and Turkey as a youth international, and is beginning to come onto Benitez’s radar.

The central midfielder, who can also play as a winger or in attack, has made two appearances this season, both of which came during Newcastle’s disappointing FA Cup run.

Barlaser featured in the third-round replay with Birmingham City before playing in the defeat to Oxford United in the fourth-round.

Shelvey, Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden have been regulars in the midfield for Benitez this season, but with Barlaser making a handful of appearances in the FA Cup, he could soon be exciting Newcastle fans on a regular basis.