Allan striving for first team debut

The 20-year-old forward, who has netted 11 goals in 18 matches for United's second-string, has been named on the bench for Newcastle's previous two matches - which both ended in 1-1 draws against Rochdale and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.

Allan featured for the Magpies' first team in July after making his first senior appearance in their Premier League Asia Trophy clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers in China and the Academy product admitted he is thoroughly enjoying the involvement at senior level.

"It's an experience that will last a long time," Allan told nufc.co.uk. "I think if someone told me at the start of the season that I'd be on the bench twice, and once in the Premier League, I would have snapped their hand off. It's something I didn't expect so I've got to take it in my stride.

"I think it's always different being involved in the competitive games, especially the Wolves game. It was a much bigger game and also the whole persona of the Premier League made it a really good experience.

"Just like the Rochdale game, as soon as the lads were going down (injured) you are getting that bit of something in your stomach waiting for a shout. It didn't happen but I've just got to keep working hard and hopefully that chance will come.

"I felt great after that game (against Wolves). What I said to my dad after was that nobody could take that away from you. You've been on the bench in the best league in the world so the next step now is trying to get onto the pitch and, hopefully, one day that will come.

"I've heard from a lot of people, a lot who I wouldn't really hear from. It's been good because I've been doing well so hopefully that can keep coming. When people are talking about you, it's nice but you've got to think of it the other way when you're not doing so well. It works both ways but when it is going well, you've got to take it in your stride."

Newcastle host Rochdale in their Emirates FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday night and, following a vast number of injuries, Allan could be in line to feature in the first team squad for the first time at St. James' Park.

Allan, who signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2018, has continued to train with the first team along with Sean and Matty Longstaff, who the under-23s' leading goalscorer believes are both strong examples to follow after the duo have progressed from United's Academy in recent seasons.

He added: "Being involved in the away games has been special but to be involved in one at St. James' Park would mean the world to me. Being a local lad, it would make my day. If I could get on the pitch and make my debut at St. James', there's no really beating that.

"Training with the first team is a massive privilege. Day-to-day, it's a lot quicker and you've got to be on the money everyday. If you're not, you get found out so it's been going well at the minute and hopefully I can stay up here for as long as I can.

"I've played with Matty for a couple of years now and when he made the step up, everyone at the Academy thought if he could do that, why can't anyone else. His path is pretty much a fairytale and if someone had told him how it'd go, he would've snapped their hand off. Everyone is looking at him thinking if he can do it, why can't we so we're all trying our hardest to do that.

"Matty and Sean have taken their chances and they're both taking it in their stride now. They haven't looked back since. If I can get that opportunity, hopefully I can take it and see where it takes me."