NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Lewis Miley (R) looks to closed down a pass in a game of boxes during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on December 02, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
A young Newcastle United striker has followed in the footsteps of Lewis Miley, Trevan Sanusi, Travis Hernes and plenty other up and coming talents after being called up to first-team training by Eddie Howe.
Sean Neave, 17, has enjoyed a fine start to his campaign so far, netting eight goals in nine appearances across both Newcastle's under-18 and under-21 sides. The teenage forward also earned an England under-18s call-up last month, joining Sanusi and fellow Toon youngster Leo Shahar.
Neave penned his first professional deal in the summer after 13 goals at under-18 level last term. "Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal," he said after putting pen to paper.
Neave's talent was on full display last month when he bagged a hat-trick as Newcastle's U18 group secured a 5-4 win over Leeds United's young guns. Howe has clearly been alerted to such a prospective talent, handing Neave the opportunity to train alongside the likes of Callum Wilson and William Osula in the run up to Wednesday's clash with Liverpool at St James' Park.
However, there has been no Alexander Isak in senior training after the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace over the weekend, with the striker nursing a hip injury sustained at Selhurst Park.
Discussing handing opportunities to young players during his time as boss, Howe recently said: "We are working in tandem with the academy. I have a really good relationship with Steve Harper and I have been down to the academy a couple of times in recent weeks to spend some time with the staff.
"It is in great hands and there are some really passionate people there and great coaches. I think the work is taking place to try to produce future superstars for Newcastle. Everyone wants the same thing. It has done already, you look at the players that have come through in recent years."