Neave continues to wait patiently for his first team chance after impressing at under-21 level
Sean Neave was pictured in Newcastle first team training after his goalscoring exploits for the u21s
Sean Neave was pictured in Newcastle first team training after his goalscoring exploits for the u21s(Image: 2026 Newcastle United)
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Newcastle United forward Sean Neave is pushing for another opportunity for the first team in the Magpies' final six matches of the season.
Neave made his long awaited debut for the Magpies in February's 6-1 win over Qarabag and has appeared on the bench on 30 other occasions across the last two seasons.
The 18-year-old forward has enjoyed an excellent season in front of goal at youth level, scoring 16 goals across Premier League 2, UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy and National League Cup matches this term.
Neave scored twice in successive matches on Friday and Monday against Manchester United and Wolves' u21s side in the past week, with his exquisite lob against the Red Devils going viral on social media.
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It was a timely reminder to Eddie Howe of his talents and he was rewarded by re-joining the Newcastle first team squad this week, being pictured in training ahead of Saturday's visit of Bournemouth.
With Newcastle forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa struggling to impress, Will Osula was handed a chance from the start in Sunday's defeat to Crystal Palace, scoring Newcastle's only goal.
But with uncertainty continuing to reign around the position, Neave could be in a position to capitalise if he continues to impress for the under-21s and behind the scenes at the club's Benton training base.
Neave recently revealed in an interview with Chronicle Live that Newcastle blocked a loan move away from the club in January so that he could continue his development on Tyneside.
And under-21s boss Robbie Stockdale feels he is knocking on the door of another first team opportunity, as he said on Monday: "A forward thrives on goals, he’s such a confident player.
"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."
Whether Neave pushes his way into contention for Saturday remains to be seen but his form at under-21 level this season is becoming impossible to ignore.