New signing Steur features as Newcastle held to draw at Gateshead

[Getty Images] Newcastle's summer signing Sean Steur played 90 minutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Gateshead. Luke Supyk put the National League side ahead in the first-half and it was Ben Williams' own goal that pulled Eddie Howe's men level in the second. In what was the Magpies first fan-facing friendly of the summer, Howe made lots of changes and Fabian Schar was back in action for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury in January. The Magpies midfield has been weakened by the departure of Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham this month in a deal worth up to £100m. Young midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have since arrived from Ajax and Monaco respectively. Although Saturday's game came too soon for Bamba, whose move was announced on Friday, Steur played 90 minutes. "He played really well today," Howe said. "He can be really pleased with his performance and first showing in Newcastle colours." It is rare for an academy graduate to leave Ajax at 18, and for a fee worth up to £23m. However, Newcastle have to take calculated risks before potential signings like Steur potentially explode in value and are out of reach. Dutchman Steur clearly has promise. There were glimpses of Steur's technical ability, composure and vision against National League side Gateshead. But he will need time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. Newcastle continue their pre-season preparations at Bristol City on Wednesday, 29 July (19:30 BST).