'Rangers loan deal is a win-win': John Carver downplays controversial transfers

Doubts have been cast on the ethics of the loan deal, after Rangers' manager Kenny McDowall's stunning revelation that he has been ordered to play the quintet.

Rangers' chief executive and former Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias insists that's not the case, and McDowall hasn't been told he must pick Gael Bigirimana, Shane Ferguson, Haris Vuckic, Remie Streete and Kevin Mbabu.

All barring the injured Northern Ireland international Ferguson are in line to make their debut at home to Raith in the Scottish Cup on Sunday

Newcastle turned down offers from to flight sides North of the Border to send their fringe players to the troubled Ibrox club, who are in part owned by billionaire Newcastle supremo Mike Ashley.

St James' Park caretaker head coach Carver defended the transfers, insisting: "It’s a great situation for both parties. First of all they are getting some good players.

"The guys who have gone up there are ready for senior football. They need to play, because they've gone past the stage where they should be playing under-21 football."

Along with the prospect of his back-up players being earning regular first-team football, Carver outlined the other benefits to Newcastle:

He added: "We're getting our young players some experience playing in front of 35,000 to 40,000 every other week, and playing under pressure because we know how big that club is - it’s a worldwide club.

"Sometimes players have to deal with that, and these guys are going to have to play under pressure. When they come back to us they'll know what it’s all about because they'll have dealt with."

Newcastle host Stoke City on Sunday, with Carver insisting the Premier League clash comes too soon for Siem de Jong.

The Dutch international is nearing a comeback after a five-month injury absence, but Carver added: "He won't be quite ready this weekend."