NEWCASTLE manager Alan Pardew insists that forgotten man Dan Gosling will be given a fair crack of the whip when United regroup for pre-season training.

The 21-year-old has endured a tortuous first season on Tyneside, with the promising midfielder having joined from Everton last summer.

Persistent knee injuries have restricted the ex-Plymouth man to just a single senior appearance, coming on as an injury-time replacement in January’s Wear-Tyne derby draw.

And having toiled away in rehab throughout what the player describes as “the worst year of my life”, Pardew has delivered a timely reminder that the youngster remains in his thoughts.

“Everybody tells me he’s a really good player, and I’m looking forward to seeing that for myself,” said the manager, who will hope to run the rule over Gosling when the United squad checks in for the start of the new season’s preparations.

“Dan has been really unfortunate with injuries and, because of that, I simply haven’t been able to see him play.

“I know he has been working exceptionally hard to get fit, and I’m hoping that when we’re back for pre-season we’ll get a good chance to see what he can offer.”

Competition for places in the Newcastle midfield remains fierce, despite continued uncertainty over Joey Barton’s future in the absence of a new contract offer.

The decision to rest Cheick Tiote from the season-ending home draw with West Bromwich Albion has at least ensured that the Ivory Coast man will be free from suspension at the start of the new campaign.