Teenage Newcastle United midfielder in line for FA Cup opportunity after SURPRISE call

LEIGH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Jack Young of Newcastle United on the ball with James Garner of Manchester United during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Leigh Sports Village on January 10, 2020 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

The Gazette has learned that 19-year-old Young is part of the travelling party for the Kassam Stadium test, which will be shown live on the BBC tomorrow evening (kick-off 8.05pm).

The midfielder will be joined by United under-23 teammate Tom Allan, who provided an assist for Newcastle No.9 Joelinton in the last round against League One Rochdale.

Newcastle United’s official website describes the Morpeth-born midfielder as a boyhood Magpies fan, as well as modelling his game on Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

It reads: “Jack signed his first professional contract with Newcastle United in July after impressing with the under-18s last term.

“Jack, who plays as a central midfielder, joined United's Academy at the age of seven and has worked his way through Newcastle's youth ranks before making his debut for the under-23 squad at the age of 17.

“Jack, who is a boyhood Newcastle supporter, currently lives in Morpeth and identifies Steven Gerrard as his footballing idol.”

In December, Young, discussing the under-23's style of play, told nufc.co.uk: “We are best when we have the ball so it's very good to see us causing problems for other teams in attack."

Manager Steve Bruce has confirmed he will ‘freshen things up’ this week, with Matty Longstaff, Sean Longstaff, Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune all set for recalls. Karl Darlow could also come in between the sticks.