The England youth international now has his Newcastle debut under his belt and dreams for many more chances
Leo Shahar of Newcastle United
Newcastle United's Leo Shahar(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Leo Shahar was pulled to the front of the post-game celebrations to pose with his Newcastle United mentor Kieran Trippier after the 3-2 win over Qarabag.
Shahar was afforded his Champions League and full debut for Newcastle after signing for the club as a 15-year-old. The youngster is highly regarded by his team-mates and Trippier is very much the teenager's mentor with the Wolverhampton-born defender growing up watching Trippier star for England at the World Cup.
Trippier singled out Shahar for praise in the dressing room and insisted he got at the front of the team photo. Shahar told Chronicle Live: "Kieran is such a good mentor for me. I spoke to him after the game and he was very happy for me.
"Every little bit of information I can get from him I do. In first-team training and being around the dressing room every day, that's the best thing you can ask for.
"You are out on the training pitch with the senior pros every day and that is the best thing you can have."
Eddie Howe has been eager to give the youngsters a chance and started the game with Alex Murphy at left-back. However, he opted against playing a clutch of kids as he wanted to steer Newcastle to a victory on the night.
Shahar is enjoying working with Howe and said he will be patient in his pursuit of first-team stardom. The former Wolves wonder-kid said: "It's a dream. He is such a nice guy and great head coach.
"He has been helping me for the last year. In his career he was a defender so he has a similar mind and hopefully he sees that in my game and keeps on supporting me."
United held back loan opportunities for Shahar in January, but he is content with life at Benton. Shahar said: "I did not go out on loan in this window but I am happy now. I am in and around the first-team.
"I got this opportunity to make my debut. I have to work hard whenever I play or train.
"If that's playing with the Under-21s I just have to keep working hard and that is exactly the same if I get on for the first-team, I have to do the same."
And speaking about his debut last night, with Shahar enjoying 12 touches in a productive cameo, the 18-year-old said: "It was massive. Getting to the last 16 hasn't been done before so making history with this Newcastle United is such a big thing for the club.
"I got called over by the coach, and thought 'here it is my moment' I knew I had to relish it and get on the pitch.
"I was always hoping based on the scoreline that it could be my day, I have felt that for the last couple of game so you always have to stay ready. I got my chance and I'm happy."
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