Arroyo could be out for two months after suffering a grade two tear to his hamstring.

Normally a midfielder, Thurgate started up front as a part of a front three in the 2-1 loss to Adelaide United.

Despite the defeat, Merrick was pleased with the 19-year-old’s performance.

“I’m very impressed With Angus Thurgate, he’s got his name on that position,” he said.

“It’s like a false 9 alongside Dimi almost, but slightly ahead. He knows when to break forward, he’s really good at turning with his back to players and getting a shot off.

"A couple of really good shots were saved, but on another day they would have gone in.

"With high, wide players, in Jason and Nick Fitzgerald, and Dimi in behind, I think that forward line is doing really well.

"Angus is surprisingly strong on the ball so when he’s harassed by defenders pushing him from behind he holds his ground, keeps his position, lays it off and gets in behind again. So all the things that we’ve worked on, he’s very coachable and doing it well.”

A Port Macquarie product who came through the Jets academy, Thurgate has also played for the Young Socceroos.

He debuted for Newcastle in 2018 and has scored three goals in 22 appearances.

Merrick believes the youngster may have a long-term future as forward.

"I don’t think he really specialises, he’s been moved around in a few different positions,” he said.

"But he’s got all the basics – he’s coachable, he’s got pace, he’s got acceleration, control and good technique, and his decision-making is first class. I think he’s going to nail that position, I’ve been impressed with him.

"I think he’s got a big future in front of him as a striker. He’s got a real mix bag of skills in his pocket and he delivers.”

With strikers Arroyo and Kaine Sheppard injured, along with number 10 Wes Hoolahan, Newcastle are low on attacking options and were expected to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.

But Merrick has shed some doubt on any new signings arriving next month.

"I’m not sure the quality of type of player we want will be available, but we’ll certainly discuss it,” he admitted.

"The transfer window occurs in January and not long after that we should have Arroyo back, Wes back, Kaine’s fit, so sometimes when you bring in someone who isn’t a proven goalscorer you really need to bring them in at pre-season.

"Not during the season when you’ve got some youngsters and good quality players coming back.”