Local media hail Jude Smith’s latest Newcastle United Under-21s performance

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Newcastle United signed Jude Smith during the summer transfer window, and the youngster is enjoying a bright start at his new club.

The goalkeeper arrived at St James’ Park from East Fife, and was one of many youth prospects to join the Magpies during Dan Ashworth’s first transfer window as Sporting Director.

It looks like the club have brought in some top talent, with the likes of Alex Murphy and Charlie McArthur very highly rated.

And Smith appears to fall into the same category. He has already been training with Eddie Howe and the first-team, and has now received praise from Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder for his latest performance.

Jude Smith impresses in Newcastle defeat

The young Magpies were in action on Tuesday night, playing in the Papa John’s Trophy. They lost 2-0 to Barnsley’s senior side, meaning Elliot Dickman’s boys are on the brink of elimination.

While it was a disappointing night for the Newcastle kids, Smith can be very happy with his performance. He produced some spectacular saves to deny the Tykes, including one from incredibly close range in the first half.

However, he was beaten twice late on, with the second goal coming direct from a free kick. It was an excellent strike from Ziyad Larkeche, but Smith will no doubt have been disappointed to concede on his favoured side.

Regardless, the 19-year-old was heavily praised by Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder after the game, who named him Newcastle’s man of the match.

The young goalkeeper was given an 8/10 rating, higher than any other Toon player. Ryder wrote: “Easily the man of the match with a string of fine saves. The kid signed from East Fife after being let go by Celtic has a chance if he can keep this up. Some fine stops from point-blank range frustrated Barnsley.”

That’s very high praise from Ryder, and the Newcastle chiefs will also be hoping that Smith can go on to become a first-teamer at St James’ Park.

That will have been the aim of Sporting Director Ashworth, who is doing his best to produce a top quality club that is full of talent at senior and youth level.