IN front of an assortment of scouts representing 21 different clubs, Luke James had a quiet day on Saturday.

After three goals in five games, the 17-year-old has made a quick name for himself, but he was well-shackled against Bournemouth and had little opportunity to impress.

Newcastle's reserve team coach Peter Beardsley was among those casting an eye over his talents.

"Luke was up against two good defenders and he knows he struggled a bit,'' said Neale Cooper. "At that age he will be up and down and he came in afterwards and was honest about it - he had an off-day and will learn from it.

"Everything's been great so far - nice headlines - and that happens with young lads.

"I know a lot were here today to watch him, 21 of them, but we didn't tell him that.

"He is a very good player and can't be judged on one performance.''

Cooper was satisfied with the draw, which makes it five without defeat ahead of tomorrow's trip to Preston North End.

"It was a good point, we didn't play as well as we have and they are a good team who can sign a player for £800,000,'' he said.

"We defended well against Tubbs and it as a difficult game. One or two did well, one or two didn't so much. The clean sheet is pleasing for us and the only problems we had were caused by ourselves a little bit with one or two loose balls.''

He added: "Our back boys performed how they needed to and the front boys not so. We didn't have many options to change it around, Nishy came on and did OK.

"We've a game on Tuesday and we are still looking and chasing up a couple of options.

"I've reports on one or two in the Championship who are keen to go out on loan, so we will look.

"It's a busy period coming up. We've gone five unbeaten and are honest boys. They know they didn't play as well as they can, but the effort was there and commitment.''