Newcastle United are considering whether or not to recall striker Elias Sorensen from his loan spell at Carlisle United in January, a report from The Shields Gazette has claimed.

Sorensen joined the League Two side on a season long-loan from the Magpies Under 23s squad during the summer transfer window, but has so far started just one league game for the Cumbrians, and has failed to score in his nine appearances in total in all competitions.

It appears as though Newcastle would have preferred Sorensen to have enjoyed more game time at Brunton Park, with the club's Under 23s coach Neil Redfearn telling The Shields Gazette: "I know I have said on the record in the past that he needs to fight it out, but obviously the idea of him going out on loan is that he plays.

“So if he's on the bench, and not coming on, it's not what we want."

Reflecting on what he has heard about Sorensen's performances for Carlisle so far, Redfearn continued: "The reports that we are getting back are that he's working really hard, and desperately trying to do the right things to get in, but there is no getting away from the fact he needs to play.”

As a result of that lack of game time, it has now been claimed that Newcastle's loans co-ordinator, Shola Ameobi, is set to decide whether or not to recall the 20-year-old in January.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Carlisle, who currently lie 20th in the fourth-tier standings, with four wins and three draws from their 16 league games so far this season.

The Verdict

I can understand both sides of the argument here.

Newcastle will obviously want Sorensen to be given game time when he goes out on loan, as it is the only way he is going to develop into a player the Magpies may one day be able to use themselves.

However, Carlisle have their own season to focus on, and if Sorensen is not putting in the performances required to keep his place in their side, then they cannot afford to risk their own position by playing him simply to appease Newcastle.

It may be the case therefore, that a recall in January with a view to sending Sorensen on-loan elsewhere, could be the best thing to do for all parties.