NEWCASTLE, England (AP) – Recent rule changes allowed new signing Antoine Semenyo to play in Manchester City’s English League Cup semi-final, but it didn’t work out for Newcastle.
Semenyo has already featured in the League Cup for Bournemouth, coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford in August.
However, the Ghanaian national team players Joins City on $87 million deal Rules introduced this season allow players to represent up to two clubs in the competition in one campaign, allowing them to face Newcastle last week under the best-of-four rule.
The first leg will be played on Tuesday.
When asked what he thought about the change, Newcastle manager Howe smiled and said with regret: “Well, it’s good to know that the rules changed after we found out we signed him! I have to say it’s one of those rule changes that I probably can’t support at this point.”
Semenyo made his debut for City on Saturday and was one of nine scorers in the match. Defeated Third Division Exeter 10-1 In the FA Cup.
“Antoine has had a great season,” Howe said of the player who has already scored 10 goals in the Premier League. “I’m a big fan of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a really great player.”
With Jeremy Doku likely to return to the starting lineup against Newcastle, City manager Josep Guardiola may choose to reassign Semenho to the right wing at St James’ Park with Oscar Bobb and Sabinho out injured.
Guardiola said: “In some of the actions (against Exeter) he showed what he showed at Bournemouth and I hope he can continue to do that here.”
The second leg is scheduled for February 4th.
Chelsea and Arsenal will meet in the semi-finals. The first leg will be played on Wednesday.
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