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Adam Armstrong’s successful loan spell at Coventry City was “brilliant” for his development - and Peter Beardsley believes the Newcastle United forward will return from it a better player.

The 19-year-old scored 20 goals in League One last season and United boss Rafa Benitez is expected to decide whether or not to send Armstrong back out on loan for 2016-17 during pre-season.

However, Under-21 boss Beardsley is confident that Armstrong - along with all the other Magpies youngsters who went out temporarily last season - have gained invaluable experience at lower-league level.

Ivan Toney reached two Wembley finals with Barnsley, Haris Vuckic achieved promotion with Wigan Athletic, Gael Bigirimana also returned to Coventry, Kyle Cameron and Lubomir Satka spent time at York City, while Alex Gilliead and Macaulay Gillesphey impressed at Carlisle United.

“Arma is not that far off the first team in a lot of people’s eyes, although that will ultimately be the manager’s decision,” Beardsley, speaking to the club’s official website, said of Armstrong.

(Image: 2015 Newcastle United)

“But him going on loan, Ivan Toney going on loan, Alex Gilliead and Macaulay Gillesphey have had a brilliant experience at Carlisle, Haris Vuckic has done well at Wigan, getting promoted with them - it’s all part of their development as young players.

“It’s been brilliant for people like Arma, who scored 20 goals, and Ivan, who has played at Wembley twice this season. That’s massive for them.

“Bigi will have got his confidence back at Coventry - a club he knows well.

“Alex and Macaulay did brilliantly at Carlisle, even though they fell away at the end, while Haris is going to come back buzzing because he has been part of a title-winning team.

“Kyle did a great job at York.

“Lubo couldn’t get in the team there because physically he isn’t ready yet, but he’s a lovely footballer and the experience will have done him the world of good.

“He will come back knowing what he needs to do to improve.

“The lads who have been out on loan will all return as better players for their experience.

“Whether they come back and start next season with us [the Under-21s], I don’t know, but that would certainly make us stronger.”

Beardsley’s side finished a disappointing 10th in Division Two of the Under-21 Premier League last season.

But the United first-team experience such players as Toney, Kevin Mbabu and Rolando Aarons received meant that, combined with the 10 loanees, Beardsley was denied the majority of his squad.

“It was a frustrating one for us but, on the whole, not too disappointing,” Beardsley said of last season.

“I say that because we had 10 players out on loan this season - and all 10 of them would have been playing in this team.

“With the development group, you get what you’re given and it is what it is.

“If you’re going to have 10 kids out on loan then you have to promote other players from the Under-18s to take their place.

“You want to win every game, but it’s not all about that for us.

“It’s about developing the kids and if you look at the Under-21s down, I don’t think we’re in a bad place at all.

“People have to understand that it’s about the bigger picture.

“It’s obviously about winning games at first-team level but the Under-21s have to develop players.

“Three of our lads were on the bench for the West Brom home game, Jamie Sterry made his debut against Tottenham on the final day, and Ivan Toney, Kevin Mbabu and Rolando Aarons have all played in the Premier League, so there are always positives at this level if you look past the results.

“They have all come through this group, so in my opinion this side of the club is in good hands.”