However Northern Ireland and local Toon fans fear not, as the talented winger is likely to just be going out on loan until the end of the season, with a host of Championship clubs likely to be interested.

The 21-year-old, who was at Institute’s Irish Cup tie at Drumahoe on Saturday, feels with the recent signings of Moussa Sissoko, Yoan Gouffran and Mathieu Debuchy to name but a few, his chances of first team action may be limited over the coming months.

“Since the new lads came to the club, I knew my opportunities were going to be limited for a while and I have spoken to the manager about going out on loan,” stated Ferguson.

“I’m happy enough to have played quite a few Premier League and Europa League games this season which is all a learning curve but I need to play regularly.

“Alan Pardew has been terrific and talks to me quite a lot and we have both agreed going out and gaining first-team experience on a regular basis would be a good thing for me and my career.

“I signed a five-year deal with Newcastle at the start of last season and the loan move is just about experience; the manager has told me my future is very much with Newcastle and that is good to hear.

“To be honest, I am looking forward to going out on loan. If you look at players like David Beckham and Paul Scholes when they were coming through at Manchester United all those years ago, they knew it would help their development so I would never be so arrogant to think it wouldn’t improve me, playing down the leagues.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone yet as the loan window doesn’t open until after the international break but hopefully I can get a club sorted out quickly.”

With boss Alan Pardew signing a host of French players during the recent transfer window, the ex-Maiden City Academy starlet feels the St James’ Park squad can only get stronger because of the new additions.

“Our dressing room is a bit like being back at school at the minute with all the French players the club have managed to attract,” he joked.

“I was taught French in High School but to be honest I didn’t really have a clue what was going on.

“I know a lot of the players do try to pick up a new language and play the lessons in the car on the way to and back from training but I don’t really think I am cut out for that.

“Even though I can’t speak their language I don’t think it particularly matters as the football does the talking when it matters.