Young Lion Gilliead Out To Impress

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Young Magpies forward Alex Gilliead says he's relishing the chance to impress for his country after earning another call-up to the England Under-20 squad this week.

The 20-year-old forward, who is on loan at League Two side Carlisle United until the end of the season, will be part of Keith Downing's squad for the Young Lions' friendly with Canada at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday, 27th March.

And Gilliead - who has four goals from 31 appearances for the Cumbrians since he joined the Brunton Park side last September - told carlisleunited.co.uk that representing England remains a "surreal feeling", despite having already picked up six caps at under-20 level.

"I'm over the moon to get called up again. It's another opportunity to impress on a big stage, but I'll be focusing on our game against Wycombe until that comes around," he said.

"I don't take the call-up for granted. I still get excited and anxious when I see the team come out. I click on it and hope I've been selected, so it's always a proud moment for me and my family. I think it's good for the club as well, because I'm representing them, so I'm always over the moon to get called up."

"It's a bit of a surreal feeling when you walk out with the England shirt on. I've said it before, but when you're growing up you want to play for your country. When you walk out and sing the national anthem you do have to think 'is this real' but it's great.

"Every time I do it I try to think like it's the last time I'm going to get the chance, so I try to impress as much as I can."

Gilliead, who penned a new contract with United in January which keeps him at St. James' Park until the summer of 2018, has impressed for Keith Curle's play-off chasers so far this campaign, along with fellow Magpies defender Macaulay Gillesphey, who is also with the Blues until the end of the season.

And he explained that learning his trade in the uncompromising surroundings of England's fourth tier under the guidance of Curle has aided his development.

"It's been a good season for me. I just need to push on with Carlisle now and try and help us get into the play-offs," said Gilliead. "First team football is totally different to under-21s, individually you can have a bad game but if you produce one bit of magic and score or set up a goal, everyone is over the moon.

"You're always playing for the three points and the win is the big thing for everyone. The gaffer has been good with all of the players, but especially the young lads who have come here on loan.

"He's given us all a lot of pitch time and opportunities. He knows we'll make mistakes because we're young players, but he sticks by us and keeps giving us chances."