Newcastle United U21 manager Adam Lawrence has praised Seung-soo Park following his side’s win over Mansfield in the Vertu Trophy.
The Newcastle United U21s beat League One Mansfield at the One Call Stadium on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Cathal Heffernan gave the Young Magpies the lead but two goals from the hosts threatened to knock Lawrence’s side out of Northern Group F.
Charlie McArthur, however, forced an own goal for a late equaliser before Newcastle won 5-3 on penalties.
Seung-soo certainly made an impact. The teenager – who signed for the club from Suwon Bluewings this summer – recorded a fine pre-assist before scoring in the shootout.
Lawrence paid special mention to Seung-soo’s pre-assist after the game.
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Praise for Newcastle United youngster Park Seung-soo
The young Magpies coach was speaking to Newcastle United’s official website.
He referenced the South Korean teenager’s pass to McArthur in the build-up for the late own goal from Ollie Taylor.
Seung-soo played the ball with the outside of his foot into space, allowing McArthur to run onto it and squeeze in a cross, which was eventually turned in by the Mansfield player.
“You always felt the goal could come at the end and it’s just whether you have that bit of quality in that last moment, which we did,” he said.
“It was a lovely pass from Seung-soo to get Charlie in down the left-hand side who managed to squeeze in the finish. It was a really nice way for the group to end the game and I thought they deserved that.”
Park Seung-soo stats for the Newcastle United U21s this season
Seung-soo is creating a buzz amongst Newcastle fans, largely because of his promising cameos during pre-season.
First team chances have been few and far between since, although the youngster was on the bench for Newcastle’s opening game of the season away at Aston Villa.
In total, the winger has made seven appearances at youth level without registering a goal or an assist.
Looking at that alone, however, would be a harsh reading of the situation. Park may not have officially got the assist against Mansfield, but that goal simply wouldn’t have happened without his excellent pass.
Patience will be a virtue with the teenager. The early signs certainly look promising.
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