Newcastle United youngster backed for 'big future' after impressing on loan

Newcastle United youngster Aidan Harris has been tipped for ‘a big, big future’ after impressing during the first week of his loan spell with National League North newcomers Hebburn Town.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined the Hornets for an initial month-long loan last week before marking his debut with a solid display in blustery conditions during a 2-2 draw at AFC Telford United just over 24 hours later. Harris showed just why he is so highly-rated with the United academy setup as he impressed on his home debut for Hebburn on Saturday as Daniel Moore’s side battled back from a goal down to earn a point in their home game with Harborough United.

Hornets goalkeeper coach Carl Morris delivered a positive assessment of Harris’ introduction into the second tier of the non-league game and revealed he has been a long-term admirer of the young stopper.

He told The Gazette: “I have followed Aidan’s progress for a lot of years and he’s someone I have wanted to bring to the football club quite a few times. Newcastle were reluctant to let him go and quite rightly so because I know how highly they rate him. But Aidan needs men’s football on the back of his loan spell at Coleraine and I know he did very well during his time there and we are delighted to get him. You can see he has a big, big future ahead of him because he is so, so good in every aspect of being a goalkeeper.”

‘It’s a really good part of their journey’

Harris will hope to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Under-21s team-mates Sean Neave, Rory Finneran and Alex Murphy by making a big impact during loan spells away from St James Park. Academy lead coach Robbie Stockdale admitted the young stopper could have coped with a temporary move into the EFL prior to his switch to Hebburn - but insisted Harris will experience ‘a really good part of his journey’ during his time at the Trustmark Group Stadium.

“Game-time, at a good level,” explained the Magpies academy coach when asked what he wanted Harris to gain from his time with Hebburn. “With the window shut, it limited where Aidan could go - and this isn’t any disrespect to Hebburn or the level, he could more than likely play in an EFL team but it’s just the circumstance where we find ourselves. We have got Sean [Neave] in the Championship, Rory [Finneran] in League One doing really well, Anth Munda in League Two doing really well, Alex [Murphy] in Germany doing really well. I think it’s a really good part of their journey. I went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday at 17 and learnt loads so if we feel it’s right for them and we feel it’s an opportunity for a younger player to come into my squad, let’s do it.”

Harris will be back in National League North action when Hebburn make the long trip to Merthyr Town on Saturday afternoon.

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