After completing a swift return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle are preparing for their first game back in the big time.

The Spaniard has not had much luck in the transfer window so far. After Tammy Abraham opted to join Swansea over the Magpies and deals like the Pepe Reina seem to drag on, Benitez may be getting frustrated.

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Newcastle have managed to bring one new face onto their books this summer. Florian Lejeune has joined from La Liga side Eibar – and he was officially unveiled to the press on Thursday.

Lejeune will be keen to make a positive impression on Benitez in pre-season – as will several other Newcastle players who are at a crossroads at St James’ Park.

We’ve picked out these TWO Newcastle players who seriously need to impression before the opening day…

Jack Colback

The Englishman is currently playing second fiddle to Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey in the middle, but Colback could work his way back into the side.

The Newcastle born midfielder who once received a call up to the England squad is likely to be fall further down the pecking order should Benitez bring in reinforcements.

Colback simply has to impress to have any chance of regular game time.

Jamaal Lascelles

It’s a big pre-season for Lascelles who has aspirations of leading Newcastle out on the opening day.

The 23-year-old, who had shown leadership late in United’s relegation season when senior players, including stand-in captain Jonjo Shelvey, went missing, led the team to the Championship title.

Lascelles was hampered by a groin injury in the second half of last season will have to prove himself all over again in pre-season.