By Craig Hope

NEWCASTLE United youngster Wesley Ngo Baheng is facing up to a year on the sidelines after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in last month's Northumberland Senior Cup Final.

Magpie physiotherapist Derek Wright told nufc.co.uk this week that the French forward will be missing for between 10 and 12 months and will undergo surgery before the end of the season.

Baheng signed for the Geordies in January from French side Le Havre and had made a big impression with three goals for United's reserves.

And second-string coach Adam Sadler admits that the injury is a huge blow for the promising 18-year-old.

"Wesley has been fantastic since he came to the club and has been a pleasure to work with," Sads told nufc.co.uk.

"It's a big blow for him to pick up this injury, but he's young enough to bounce back and I'm sure he'll return even stronger."