Former Newcastle United prospect set for trial at Sunderland's League One rivals

Sunderland’s third tier rivals Rotherham United are set to run the rule over an ex-Newcastle United prospect as they look to strengthen their League One hand.

The Echo understands former Magpies winger Callum Roberts is heading down to the New York Stadium for a trial this week.

Newcastle United's English midfielder Callum Roberts (L) celebrates with Newcastle United's English defender Jamie Sterry after scoring their second goal during the English FA Cup third round replay football match between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United at Ewood Park in Blackburn, north west England on January 15, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Newcastle United's English midfielder Callum Roberts (L) celebrates with Newcastle United's English defender Jamie Sterry after scoring their second goal during the English FA Cup third round replay football match between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United at Ewood Park in Blackburn, north west England on January 15, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Roberts has scored seven goals in eight appearances for National League North side Blyth Spartans this season, managed by Lee Clark.

That run has included two hat-tricks in a week against Curzon Ashton and AFC Telford United.

The 22-year-old started his career with United but only made a total of two appearances in black and white – which included a goal in last season’s third round FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers.

Roberts has previously had loan spells with Gateshead, Kilmarnock and Colchester United. In the summer he was linked with a move to Panathinaikos, but that deal failed to materialise.