McNall Pleased To Make Second-String Bow

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Everything but the goal - that was the story of teenage striker Lewis McNall's second-string debut for Newcastle United.

The 16-year-old former Gateshead Juniors player has scored ten times already this term for the Magpies' under-18s side, and had chances to open his account at under-21 level on his first appearance against West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

Alas, Baggies goalkeeper Alex Palmer twice denied him the goal his performance arguably deserved but McNall - whose father, Keith, was a prolific striker for Gateshead and various other non-league sides in the 1980s - told nufc.co.uk: "It was a good point.

"We expected West Brom to be a good side, which they were, but I think we dictated the play and were the better side.

"We were disappointed not to win because we did have quite a lot of chances, but we go to Stoke at the weekend and hopefully we'll be able to get a win.

"The pitch was quite muddy and hard, and it cut up as the game went on, but I think we adapted well and it's the same for both sides so we can't really use that as an excuse."

McNall was one of two Academy youngsters to get their chance under Peter Beardsley on Monday, with Owen Gallacher also appearing as a second-half substitute.

But there was plenty of experience on show at Whitley Park too as Siem de Jong, Yoan Gouffran, Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow turned out for United.

McNall's first sight of goal came midway through the first half when he made room for a low shot which was well saved and he explained: "I remember when we played against them (West Brom) for the under-18s (earlier this month), I had one exactly the same when I cut in on my right foot.

"I hope to do better on my best side, on my left foot, but it wasn't to be. Hopefully next time I'll put a few in the back of the net.

"I think the play's a lot quicker compared to the under-18 league; there's more pressure on the ball, but I think I coped well and having a few first-team players today made the team better and stronger.

"I think I held my own and I was happy with my performance."

McNall only signed a two-year scholarship at the Little Benton Academy in the summer, having made his under-18s bow against Arsenal last April.

But he hit a hat-trick against Manchester United in September and has scored in each of his last four appearances for Dave Watson's juniors.

"At the start of the season I wasn't expecting to play too much for the under-18s - I was just wanting to get into the squad as much as possible," he admitted.

"So to score ten goals in ten starts, I'm really happy with that. Hopefully I'll get a few more between now and the end of the season."