Newcastle United teenage striker giving Eddie Howe food for thought after goal run

Newcastle United are hoping that exciting striker Sean Neave can be the latest Academy product to come off the club's talent conveyor belt.

The 17-year-old has captured the attention of head coach Eddie Howe and his goal record with the youth team is there for everybody to see. Already an England Under-17 international, Neave signed his first professional contract at United in the summer and he netted in the Under-21s' impressive 3-1 away win at Leeds last week.

Approaching 6ft 1in, Neave is another player who started his youth career at Wallsend Boys Club before finding his way into Newcastle's youth system. Last term he bagged 13 goals across all competitions for United’s under-18 side last term, including 11 strikes in the Under-18 Premier League North.

READ MORE:PIF ready to give Newcastle United spending spree green light ahead of crunch meeting

READ MORE:Newcastle United transfer decision causes regret after Arsenal and Leeds beaten

His fine form has continued this season with two standout performances against Derby County, a 3-3 draw, and Leeds for the Under-18s, as he scored hat-tricks in both fixtures. Neave has eight goals in seven games so far this season for the U18s and U21s. Neave also starred in the UEFA Youth League last season and played against AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

Neave said: "Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal.

"I was really pleased to make my debut for the under-21s as it means next year, I can push on and try to make a few more appearances and hopefully score a few goals. Making my international debut was a really proud moment for me and my family. Playing for your country is one of the biggest things in football and I’m hoping that, next season, I can gain more appearances for England.

"I’m more than happy about my goals this season at under-18 level and I was really pleased to be the top goalscorer at the club. I’m hoping I can push on, score a few more next season and be up there with the top goalscorers in the league."

Howe is eager to give more youngsters their chance and would love to present somebody like Neave, a young Geordie with wild dreams to star for the club he supports, an opportunity. Howe said: "We are working in tandem with the Academy. I have a really good relationship with Steve Harper and I have been down to the Academy a couple of times in recent weeks to spend some time with the staff.

"It is in great hands and there are some really passionate people there and great coaches. I think the work is taking place to try to produce future superstars for Newcastle. Everyone wants the same thing. It has done already, you look at the players that have come through in recent years.

"Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley there have been some outstanding individuals. Those players? They are elite players. So I think it has done really, really well."