No Divided Loyalties For Pollock

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

He lives in Middlesbrough, started his career on Teesside and is the son of a former Boro hero - but there will be no divided loyalties for Ben Pollock when Newcastle travel to the Riverside Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday (kick-off 7pm).

The former Yarm School pupil - who turned 17 on Tuesday - hopes to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Jamie, who made almost 200 appearances for the Reds before moving on to Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Birmingham.

But Pollock junior, who was an unused substitute in last month's third round win at Millwall, will be fully concentrated on trying to help Dave Watson's side progress if he gets the opportunity to line up in the Magpies' defence.

"Being a Boro lad, I'm very excited. It's always good to play against your home team and when you've played for them before, it's even better," he told nufc.co.uk.

"I've lost count of the amount of times I've been to the Riverside to watch Middlesbrough teams so it would be a dream come true to play there.

"But I am a Newcastle fan. I left Middlesbrough when I was 14 and when I came here I just fell in love with Newcastle and support the Club now.

"All of my friends are Middlesbrough fans, though, so if we don't win I'm going to get a lot of stick!

"My dad's still got Boro in his heart but I think I'm starting to sway him towards Newcastle now.

"He's a massive help. After every game and every training session, we talk about what could be improved and what I need to work on so having him is a massive, massive help.

"Everything I do is with his guidance, really."

Pollock signed a two-year scholarship with Newcastle at the beginning of the season after leaving Leeds United and has made six starts and one substitute appearance so far this term.

"It's a great Club and a great opportunity for me, and we have a great set of lads throughout," he said.

"I've settled in quickly and I'm really enjoying it.

"The season started well for me and then I picked up an injury against Manchester City in October and struggled to get into the team since then, but I'm working towards that.

"We're all massively focused for the tie. We've been over pretty much everything so I'm sure the lads will be very up for the game and it should be a good contest."

Admission at the Riverside Stadium is £3 for adults and £1 for under-18s and over-65s. Tickets can be bought from the main ticket office to the right end of the West Stand. Car parking is £2 on a first come, first served basis.