Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew plans to test his kids in the Europa League.

Pardew has promised to give the likes of full-backs Shane Ferguson and James Tavernier midfielder Haris Vuckic and striker Sammy Ameobi - younger brother of Shola - a chance to shine.

Pardew said: "This is an ­unprecedented opportunity for our young players. They have a manager who is going to say, 'You're playing'.

"I've looked at the Europa League and a lot of managers have tried to go with their first team and then play in the Premier League - and it has cost them. I'm not going to do that.

"I'm going to be very risky in my selection and brave, to a degree, in the Europa League.

"We're focusing on the development group.

"We have young players coming through like our striker Adam Campbell, who's only 17. That's how it has to be at a big club. You look at Barcelona - eight first-team players have come through the academy.

"I've had 18 months here and I'm pleased at the progress. As we go forward hopefully it will get better.''