It’s very true that if you’re good enough you’re old enough at Newcastle these days, and there are various good examples of how a youngster can come through the Academy and into the first team, and one recent example of this is 21 year-old Northern Ireland International Shane Ferguson.

A baby looking Shane Ferguson in Northern Ireland colors



Shola Ameobi, Steven Taylor and Tim Krul have all come through the youth ranks at Newcastle to become first team players at the Tyneside club, and there are other players like 20 year-old Haris Vuckic, who are coming through , but unfortunately Haris is now out for the season with his ACL knee injury.

Haris has done very well since joining the Magpies at just 16 years of age back in January of 2009.

And of course we currently have youngsters like Sammy Ameobi and James Tavernier also showing good signs that they can become first team regulars at Newcastle.

Alan Pardew has been true to his word and he’s provided youngsters with a chance of playing in the first team, since he became manager almost two years ago:

“Fergie playing against Manchester United is not easy.” “In today’s age, to come through an Academy and play against one of the top clubs in the country just goes to show you that there is a route.” “So for our Under 10s, right through to the Development squad, they can see that there is a path to the first-team.” “You need to be good enough, you need to work and be committed, and Fergie has done that.” “Now his career can start building from that platform and that’s what all young players in this region should try and aim to do if they want to be a footballer.”

Newly signed 18 year-old Gael Bigirimana is also getting plenty of first team experience, and after playing in almost all the games in pre-season, Gael has already made 9 appearances for the first team this season, and he looks to play a lot more before the end of the season.

Newcastle should be able to attract a lot of youngsters to the club now that we are very close to Category One status for our Youth Academy, and the fact that youngsters will be given first team opportunities – if they are good enough.

There’s nothing much wrong with that.

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