Davide Santon has handed Newcastle United a boost during a difficult 24 hours.

Santon played an hour of Newcastle United's 1-1 behind-closed-doors game at Benton today as the Magpies were held by Gateshead.

The Italian had not made an appearance in EIGHT months after suffering from knee problems.

The Evening Chronicle says caretaker manager John Carver watched on from the sidelines at the club's Training Centre as Jonas Gutierrez also played 90 minutes.