Sean Neave scored a well-taken goal as Newcastle United under-21s beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
Sean Neave returned to first-team training at Newcastle United this week after tearing up the under-21 setup.
Goals against Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the past week have continued his ruthless streak for Robbie Stockdale’s side. A brilliant left-footed finish on Monday took Neave’s tally to eight from his previous seven games.
With the under-21s campaign paused until the Premier League 2 play-offs begin, Neave will train under Eddie Howe in the first-team squad. The Winlaton native made his senior Newcastle debut in February's 6-1 win over Qarabag.
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Sean Neave ‘in a good place’
Speaking after Newcastle under-21s drew with Wolves on Monday, head coach Stockdale hailed Neave’s impact in recent months. He also confirmed that the youngster will now train with the first team.
"A forward thrives on goals, he’s such a confident player,” Stockdale said. “You see some of the stuff he does, the way he manipulates the ball, takes people on, he’s a real handful.
"The other side of the game, without the ball, he starts our press off. I’d like him to do a little bit more later in the game - but I understand he plays occasionally for us. He doesn’t play all of the time so it can be difficult to get into that rhythm.
"I think the two games over the weekend will stand him in good stead. He's in a good place, Sean. He has trained with the first team a hell of a lot, probably the most out of all our under-21 players, so I'd imagine that'd (going to train with the first team) be the case.”
Newcastle United’s secret weapon?
The No.9 spot has proven a problem area for Newcastle this season. Nick Woltemade impressed shortly after arriving before being shifted into midfield.
As for Yoane Wissa, he has failed to impress on the training pitch or when given a chance off the bench. Howe has preferred to use Anthony Gordon or Will Osula up front - shunning his £124million duo.
With Neave in red-hot form, some fans have called on the prospect to be given a chance at Premier League level. Stockdale told The Gazette that he is in regular contact with Howe and his staff.
“I have daily contact with the first-team staff,” he added. “They'll ask how the players are doing. They take a real keen interest in it.
“I speak to them on a morning, see what's required, and then pick it up in the afternoon as well. So the dialogue is clear, the communication is smooth and they've been really good with us.”
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