Allan hungry for win at Wolves

Over a fortnight since their last Division Two clash - a 2-2 draw at Fulham - Chris Hogg and Peter Ramage's side return to competitive action as they face their Wolves counteprarts (kick-off 12pm BST) at the Aggborough Stadium, home of National League North outfit Kidderminster Harriers.

Allan, who scored a brace against the Cottagers as the young Magpies came from behind twice in the capital, is hopeful United's second-string can build on their recent performances to, with five league games remaining, finish the 2020/21 campaign as strongly as possible.

"We had a couple of days off over the international break but everyone is back at it now and we're raring to go," the 21-year-old told nufc.co.uk. "We need to get a few more wins under our belt to try and close in on the run-in. We have a chance to move up the league so everyone's looking forward to that.

"There's a lot of teams around us in a similar position. There's a lot of movement that can happen in the table if we get a few wins so there's nothing to say we can't have a late push for a play-off spot.

"Everyone knows what the goal is but we need to make sure we put in good performances and see where it takes us to at the end of the season.

"It was a decent result against Fulham given the hard conditions and the state of the pitch. It showed a lot about the lads as it it was more of a game where you had to grind out a result when it's tough. 

"There were positives, particularly in the second-half, so hopefully we can take that into the game against Wolves.

"We've had Christian Atsu playing with us and he got us together in the dressing room after Fulham saying he can't believe that we're not winning games the way we are playing. Although we did not win, the lads are feeling good and are in a good space to play anyone." 

After joining Accrington Stanley on a season-long loan last August, Allan made eight appearances for the League One outfit before suffering a quadricep strain which left the youngster sidelined for four months, therefore ultimately returning to Tyneside in January.

The Ashington-born forward, who scored 17 times in all competitions for United's under-23 side last term, has registered three goals in five matches and is determined to maintain his promising attacking form. 

"It was nice to be back amongst the goals (against Fulham)," he added. "It was only the second game I've scored in since I've been back (after scoring in a 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion).

"I've had a long time out injured. I went out on loan at Accrington, played a few games but then got injured and missed about four or five months altogether. Hopefully, the goals can now keep coming.

"I think it's a confidence thing. When you miss that much football, you know you're good enough but it's trying to get that first goal or first good game before you're back to where you were. It's about improving now and seeing where I end up at the end of the season.

"I'm feeling very sharp again. After the game (against Fulham) I spoke to my dad and said it was the first 90 minutes I've played since October. It's been a long, long time out.

"Once I came back from injury, I had that reoccurring thought in my head if my leg was going to hurt but all that's out the window now. I'm now concentrated on playing and scoring as many goals as possible."