Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has promoted Under 18s midfielder Joe White to the senior squad, according to the Chronicle.
Bruce is thought to be keen to see how the 16-year-old fares in the first-team, after White put in a string of exceptional performances for the club’s youth ranks last season, as he made 13 outings in the U18 Premier League, scoring twice and assisting four goals.
The teenage prospect played most of his fixtures in an attacking midfield role, but dabbled further back in the centre of the field twice, and was deployed as the designated centre-forward on three occasions – recording half of his goal involvement as the Toon’s striker.
White – a product of Carlisle United’s academy – netted his first successful strike for Newcastle against Middlesbrough, after making his United debut against West Bromwich Albion and first start against Everton.
New Magpies boss Bruce is looking to promote from the club’s academy this season, as he wants to keep a close eye on the grassroots scene now that the summer transfer window has closed.
Matty Longstaff should be in line for a more significant first-team role this season, as well, having performed admirably in pre-season to catch Bruce’s attention.