Exciting Newcastle United youngster spotted in training as Eddie Howe weighs up Brighton options
The Magpies have been pictured in training ahead of this weekend’s clash against Brighton and Hove Albion
Teenage Newcastle United midfielder Rory Finneran has been spotted in first team training ahead of the club’s Premier League clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
In training pictures released by the Magpies from Wednesday, the talented 18-year-old was spotted among the first team group, alongside fellow youngsters Sean Neave, Leo Shahar and Alex Murphy.
Finneran joined Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2024 and has gone from strength to strength in the club’s youth system, impressing at both under-18 and under-21 level.
He also represented Ireland at the under-17 World Cup earlier this season and scored on his debut for their under-19 side last month and those inside Newcastle have been impressed with how seamlessly he has taken these experiences in his stride.
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Now he has made the step up to the first team although it remains to be seen whether he will be involved in the squad when the Seagulls make the trip to St James’ Park this weekend.
Newcastle should have a full complement of midfielders fit for that game with Joelinton set to return from suspension, while Bruno Guimaraes returned to the starting XI in last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal after a period on the sidelines through injury.
Joe Willock impressed from the start at the Emirates Stadium, while Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley are all set to be in contention, too.
Nonetheless, it is another feather in Finneran’s cap and another example that Newcastle’s recruitment policy at youth level, scouring the country for the best young talent, is beginning to bear fruit.
It will be interesting to see how they manage Finneran’s development in the summer and whether he gains more first team exposure at Newcastle or is given the opportunity to impress at first team level on loan elsewhere.
Newcastle United FC