Teenage defender learning from Kev
TEENAGE defender Ben Tozer is itching to return to pre-season training at Newcastle United - so he can pick up more tips from Kevin Keegan.
The 18-year-old - signed from Swindon Town in January in a deal which could be worth more than 1m to the Robins - will be back at the club's Benton HQ on Monday after his summer break.
And having enjoyed every minute of his first few months at St James's Park, Plymouth-born Tozer cannot wait for the hard work to start ahead of the new campaign.
Boss Keegan has taken a keen interest in United's young players since returning to Newcastle shortly after Tozer's arrival.
The 57-year-old has attended almost every reserve team fixture, and Tozer says his help and encouragement has meant a lot to him.
Tozer said: "I speak to Kevin Keegan pretty much on a daily basis, and he's a really nice bloke.
"He's always very positive and keen to know how I'm doing. He's also got lots of good ideas, which he passes on to the players."
Tozer - who made the bench for the final game of last season away to Everton and captained Adam Sadler's Northumberland Senior Cup-winning team - played a handful of first-team games for Swindon, and is hoping to make an impression on Keegan in 2008-09.
However, he knows he is still some way off starting Premier League games, and the versatile player - who can play at centre-half and left-back - could well find himself loaned out for more experience in the coming season.
"I'm glad to get back to Newcastle for pre-season training - I love it," said Tozer.
"I'm only six months into my (four-year contract) with Newcastle, but I'm pleased with my progress.
"Obviously, I want to play in the first team, hopefully this season, but a lot will depend on which players we sign.
"I've been happy playing in the reserves - it's all a learning curve for me.
"I was really pleased that we won the Northumberland Cup - there is a lot of local rivalry on Tyneside.
"I've been playing centre back in the reserves, although if they want me to play at left-back that's fine, too.
"I'm working hard at getting fitter and stronger - there's already a difference in me, and I think I'll be stronger again this year."
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
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