Sean Neave is inching closer and closer to making his senior debut at Newcastle United.
Ever since the PIF takeover, there have been major improvements to Newcastle United’s academy and it seems Eddie Howe will soon reap the rewards.
Sean Neave is among an exciting group of Newcastle academy stars who are on the brink of breaking into Howe’s first-team squad.
Neave has completely dominated at U21s level this season and the 17-year-old striker has been described as a “rough diamond” in the youth ranks.
Howe has included Neave in first-team training this season and he was spotted with the squad ahead of the Brentford win.
Sean Neave impressing Eddie Howe in Newcastle training
It seems Neave is getting closer and closer to making his debut after being named on the bench against West Ham and Brentford in recent Premier League clashes.
Neave was also on the bench at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. Now he has a taste of being in a matchday squad, he will be desperate to get on the pitch.
Ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Leicester City, Howe raved about Neave in training.
As quoted by The Chronicle, Howe said: “He’s doing well. He’s very young and I need reminding of that sometimes. Because he is competing on an even field technically (with senior players). Physically, he has a lot of growth to come he has to fill out in his body.
“He has to become stronger. It is probably now about finding him a set position.”
Howe went on to mention that Neave has proven he is a natural “goalscorer” during training.
“We have used him in various roles but what I will say is he is a goalscorer. We find in training and practice games he will pop up with a goal which is a great skill to have.”
How Sean Neave could save Newcastle United millions
With Newcastle finally getting to grips with their PSR struggles, Paul Mitchell wants three major signings this summer – one of which is a striker.
However, the two priority targets will be a right-sided centre-back and winger.
If he can continue his current trajectory and become a regular first-teamer under Howe, Neave could save Newcastle millions that they may have otherwise spent on a striker.
Alexander Isak will remain Newcastle’s first-choice striker – that much is obvious. William Osula has shown signs of promise this season that he can be the back-up option, and Neave adds extra strength and depth as another option up front.
With Newcastle back in Europe next season, depth and competition for places will be necessary, and Neave has a chance to cement his position as a first-team player if he continues to impress Howe.
If Neave can save Newcastle from investing in a new striker, more of the summer budget can be allocated to getting a top-class defender and winger.
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