Meet The Kids: FA Youth Cup Pen Pics

By Craig Hope

NEWCASTLE United Under-18s kick off their FA Youth Cup campaign against Oldham Athletic at St.James' Park on Tuesday night.

The black-and-white young guns have won their last eight on the spin and currently top the Academy table.

Here, nufc.co.uk takes you through the starting line-up ahead of the big game ...

 

No.1 Max Johnson

Now in his second year, Norwich-born and Blackburn-raised Max has returned from a serious knee injury this season and is number one choice for the FA Youth Cup campaign.

No.2 Phil Airey

Just turned 17, Northumberland-born Phil has been converted from centre-forward to right-back in recent months for Richard Money's Reserves and has certainly looked the part. He's strong in the tackle, fearless and has an eye for goal given his previous education as a frontman.

No. 3 Shane Ferguson

Second-year midfielder Shane made his debut for Northern Ireland Under-21s last month having previously represented his country at all youth levels.

No. 4 Brad Inman

Nicknamed Kaka because of his likeness to the AC Milan and Brazil midfielder, Brad was picked up by United during a tour of Australia and moved to Tyneside at the age of 15. He made his Reserve-team debut this year and is a clever, creative midfielder who likes to operate in the centre of the park.

No.5 Jeff Henderson

Jeff, who turns 17 next week, is a highly-rated centre-back from Ashington. Although still at school, he appeared nine times for the Under-18s last season and has continued his education as a first-year Academy scholar this time around.

No.6 James Tavernier

Now 17, but still a first-year boy, James has won rave reviews this year for his lightening-quick reactions and ball-playing ability. The Bradford-born defender enjoyed a stiff test up against Everton's Victor Anichebe for the Reserves last month but certainly didn't look out of his depth and is tipped for a big future.

No.7 Michael McCrudden

One of the youngest of the second-year scholars, he doesn't turn 18 until July, Northern Ireland youth international Michael is a technically-adept midfielder who knows where the back of the net is, as his six goals for the Under-18s this season testify.

No.8 Ryan Donaldson

Likely to skipper the side, this will be Ryan's third FA Youth Cup campaign having been a key player in the team of two years' ago which reached the semi-final. The 17-year-old has since made the step up to the first-team headquarters and appeared during this year's pre-season tournament in Mallorca. The Newcastle-born starlet has appeared in midfield for the Reserves this season and is likely to start in the United engineroom against the Latics.

No.9 Nile Ranger

Very much the man of the moment at Academy level and was listed among The Guardian's top 20 bright young players earlier this year. The striker, still just 17, has netted 14 times for the Under-18s so far this season and has been the driving force behind their march to the top of the league table. Could have a very bright future ahead of him and his athletic presence, coupled with vast reserves of skill, is likely to be a key factor behind a successful cup run.

No.10 Sam Ameobi

Sixteen-year-old Sammy is the third Ameobi to join the club following in the footsteps of brothers Shola and Tomi. The twinkle-toed forward burst onto the Reserve scene this year with a match-winning brace in the 2-1 Central League Cup win at Hartlepool.

No.11 Kazenga LuaLua

Another player who has now made a permanent switch to the senior headquarters, Kazenga has returned from a lengthy ankle lay-off in recent weeks. The younger brother of former Magpie Lomana made his first-team debut in the FA Cup tie at Stoke in January and went on to make four further substitute appearances. A powerful winger, blessed with skill, Kazenga celebrates his 18th birthday on Wednesday.

Substitutes

Greg McDermott - Son of former Magpie player and coach Terry, Greg is a determined central midfielder.
Jak Alnwick - First-year goalkeeper.
Conor Newton - Skilful defender who recently turned 17.
James Taylor - Now 18, and the oldest member of the squad, James is a no-nonsense centre-back.
Aaron Spear - Young forward who joined from Plymouth Argyle earlier this year.

Tuesday's game kicks off at 7pm and the East Stand will be open for supporters. Admission prices are £3 (adults) and £1.50 (concessions) - please note that due to competition rules, season ticket holders DO NOT gain free entry to Youth Cup matches.