"A dream come true" - Ndiweni on first-team debut

The 19-year-old forward, who joined Newcastle’s Academy at the age of 12, was introduced from the substitutes’ bench at the Gateshead International Stadium as the Magpies secured a 3-2 win against the National League outfit.

The Throckley-born youngster, who signed his professional contract with his boyhood club in July 2022, expressed his delight after making his maiden first-team bow along with Newcastle Academy quartet Remi Savage, Jamie Miley, Ben Parkinson and Charlie Wiggett.

Ndiweni, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up from Newcastle City Juniors in 2016, told nufc.co.uk: “Around 70 minutes, me and Jay Turner-Cooke were called over to come on. It was my first appearance for the first-team so I was a bit nervous but also excited and raring to go, wanting to make an impact on the game and try to score.

“It was a dream come true. All the hard work that I’ve put in since joining Newcastle at 12 was put into that moment and I was really thankful and grateful to the Academy staff for all the help I’ve had.

"I had my family watching the stream at home and a lot of friends from school watching. It was great to go back into the changing room after full-time to see lots of messages of congratulations from my friends and family.

“I’ve been to St. James’ Park to watch the first-team play for years and that’s where you want to be yourself. To be able to share the pitch with some of the people I’ve watched over the last few years was amazing.

“It was a really good moment for all of the lads at the Academy, too, and it gives us a glimpse of where we all want to be and how to get there so it’s a good taste and, hopefully, there’s more to come for everyone.”

Ndiweni could be back in action at the Gateshead International Stadium this weekend as Newcastle’s under-21 side face newly-promoted League One side Carlisle United on Saturday, 22nd July (kick-off 2pm BST).

The teenage striker is keen to gain further game time in preparation for the upcoming 2023/24 Premier League 2 campaign as well as facing the Cumbrians, who secured promotion to the English third tier after play-off final glory at Wembley Stadium in May.

The former St Cuthberts High School pupil added: “Carlisle were recently promoted from the (League Two) play-offs so to come up against a team in pre-season who compete in one of the top levels of English football will be good practice and a good workout for the season ahead.

“I think, most importantly, we want to get our style of play back into games and also making sure, fitness-wise, everyone gets minutes under their belts before the season starts.

“Ultimately, we all want to play in the Premier League so I think it’s really important to take these opportunities against experienced, top level pros to see how good we are in comparison to them and how we can learn from them.”

Tickets for the pre-season friendly at the Gateshead International Stadium are priced at £8 for Adults, £6 Concessions (65+ & 17-20 year-olds) and £3 for children aged 16 and under.

Please note anyone aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.