Sean Neave of Newcastle United U21 during the Vertu Trophy match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United U21 at John Smith's Stadium on September 02, 2025 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Sean Neave of Newcastle United U21 during the Vertu Trophy match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United U21 at John Smith's Stadium on September 02, 2025 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sean Neave could make his St James’ Park debut in the second-leg of Newcastle United’s Champions League play-off clash against Qarabag.
The 18-year-old has been named in the Magpies’ matchday squad on 25 occasions but had never played a single minute until last Wednesday’s trip to Azerbaijan.
Four goals from Anthony Gordon and a goal each for Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy had United cruising at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium, affording Eddie Howe to turn to Neave with three minutes plus stoppage time to go.
Sean Neave reflects on Newcastle United debut
"Bonner (Graeme Jones) told me and Alex Murphy to go and warm up,” Neave told the club’s official website. “We did that for about five to ten minutes and then JT (Jason Tindall) called me. I got stripped and then the gaffer was giving me tactical information before I came on.
"It was a bit of a blur as it all happened so quickly but I just had to get on with it and work hard for the team.”
Wearing the number 62 on his back, Neave came on for Harvey Barnes to achieve what he described as a “dream come true”.
"It was an unbelievable moment making my debut for the club, never mind in the Champions League,” Neave said. “I never expected it to come that soon but I just have to keep moving forward and, hopefully, I can get my Premier League debut.
"If you asked me this a few years ago, I wouldn't believe you. Making my debut for my boyhood club is a really good moment. I've dreamt of this since I was young and it's finally happened. It's a dream come true.
"It's brilliant to be involved in this squad. I'm quite young so I haven't really seen Newcastle play in the Champions League much so it meant a lot. Being a part of such a historic win, too, made it even more special."
Neave might not have been on the pitch long, but he certainly caught the eye. A cross to Thiaw was inches away from becoming an assist as the German defender headed wide before he almost got on the end of one himself.
"I saw Will get played in and just thought I need to get in the box here! I sprinted up and when he played it back, it took a slight deflection and went just behind me,” Neave explained. “I was gutted as a goal on my debut would've been unbelievable but it was still a top night.
What Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon & Dan Burn said to Sean Neave after debut
"Anthony Gordon came up to me at full-time and said 'it's really well deserved as you've worked hard for it.
"I also spoke to the gaffer, thanking him for the experience and he said 'your attitude has been impeccable and you did really well when you came on'.
"Dan Burn has really helped me coming into the first team group. He supports the club too and he was one of the first players who came up to me when I came on and said 'you're playing in the Champions League, son!'. I was buzzing!"
Sean Neave eyeing St James’ Park debut in second-leg tie
One appearance could quickly turn into two for Neave, with a St James’ Park debut potentially in the offing in the second-leg on Tuesday night.
"That would be another milestone to try and tick off,” said Neave. “To play a competitive game at St. James' Park for the first team is a dream of mine. If I can accomplish that on Tuesday night, I'd be over the moon."
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