Barlaser Eyeing Friday Friendly Win

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Midfielder Dan Barlaser has called on Newcastle United Under-21s to stop conceding "sloppy" goals - and is hoping he and his teammates can cause FC Edmonton some problems at the other end when the two sides meet in Friday's friendly.

The Canadian outfit take on Peter Beardsley's youngsters at Little Benton tomorrow as part of Colin Miller's men's pre-season tour.

United, though, are looking to make amends for last Friday's 4-1 Barclays Under-21 Premier League defeat to West Ham at St. James' Park.

And Barlaser highlighted how important it is that the young Magpies recover from the Hammers setback and take their chances against the Eddies - while making sure no soft goals get past them at the opposite end.

"It was really disappointing. In the second half we made a lot more chances which we should have tucked away," said the 19-year-old of last week's loss.

"On Friday, we've got to finish the chances and be clinical.

"It's not nice to get beaten, and we're such a young side, but we haven't got a lot of pressure on us for a friendly game - everyone wants to do well and everyone wants to score.

"We need a clean sheet, because we've been conceding a few sloppy goals in the past couple of games, and I think a clean sheet would boost everyone's confidence. Hopefully we can kick on from there."

Football development manager Beardsley is likely to name another youthful side for the visit of the North American Soccer League team.

Barlaser believes the friendly provides an ideal opportunity for the young United charges to impress and gain some more exposure at under-21 level.

"Especially for players who haven't played much, it's a good run-out for them and a chance for them to impress the manager, given we've got a game in midweek," he said. "It's a good chance for all the younger ones as well when they don't have a game this week, so it's good for everyone really.

"Compared to last year, we're really young, because last year we had a lot of first team players playing and people who are on loan now. But this year, we've had under-16s and under-18s playing, and not really as many 21s, so it's been good for them."

And Barlaser - who has made 15 starts for Newcastle's second string this season, the most of any player - says he is enjoying being one of the more experienced heads in the young Magpies' ranks, and is relishing the responsibility of helping the younger players settle in to life in the side.

"I'm quite young still - I was born in 1997 - so it just feels a bit weird to be one of the more experienced ones," he said.

"It's a club I've been playing for since I was nine years old, so it's massive for me.

"I really enjoy it. It's really good for me to help some of the younger lads, as I was in their position and I know how hard it is, so to pass some information down is really nice.

"Being captain a couple of times this season has really helped me, and it's probably made me play better - I'm communicating more, trying to urge the team on more, which is really good for myself and the team."