Brookwell bidding to bounce back at Burnley

Chris Hogg's side make the journey to Lancashire to face the Clarets' second-string, managed by former Newcastle first-team coach Steve Stone, at Leyland's County Ground. 

United's youngsters began their 2020/21 campiagn nearly a fortnight ago against Middlesbrough as Brookwell, who joined the Magpies from Liverpool in August, scored on his debut in a 2-2 draw and the central midfielder is keen to record a maiden victory with his new side against the Premier League 2 debutants.

The 18-year-old told nufc.co.uk: "It's massively important to try and get three points because we only drew our first league game against Middlesbrough, which we all thought we should have won given the performance we put in and the chances we created.

"I feel if we play the same way we did against Middlesbrough, we should be able to get the win against Burnley. It will be a good test against a different type of team who might pose us things we aren't used to, which will be a good experience for the team.

"With them going up, they'll be fresh and hungry to make an impression in the division to show why they're in this league. No team who we come up against can be underestimated."

Newcastle's under-21 side were involved in EFL Trophy action on Tuesday night, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Shrewsbury Town in their first Northern Section Group C fixture.

Brookwell, who played the full 90 minutes at centre-half against the Shrews, admitted it was a difficult evening for United against the experienced League One outfit but a beneficial one for the versatile youngster.

The teenager, who made his under-18s bow for Liverpool as a 15-year-old under Steven Gerrard, added: "It was a tough night for us but I thought we learnt a lot, playing against experienced players which I really enjoyed.

"The goals we conceded could have been stopped but they played and pressed very well. It was good they played most of their first-team players to give us a proper taste of the standard at League One so we all know what standards we need to train and play at to try to get to that position and above.

"Playing at under-23 level is good but it's great to have a new challenge in the EFL Trophy. To play in the stadium, even if it's without fans at the minute, and having your name on the back of the shirt is a great experience." 

Brookwell, who joined Liverpool's Academy at the age of eight, turned down offers from other Premier League clubs, as well as Football League clubs, to join the Magpies this summer.

Primiarily playing in the centre of the park, the Wigan-born midfielder revealed that Sean and Matty Longstaff's graduation from United's Academy into the first-team was a key move for his switch from Merseyside.

He added: "I'm really enjoying it here at the minute! All the lads have been sound and are really nice so I've fitted in really well.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start to score on my debut but we feel we should have won the game which would have made it even better!

"I wanted to join Newcastle because of the size of the club. There is a massive fanbase here and everyone knows about Newcastle, with the supporters being so involved in the team.  

"I also saw the likes of the Longstaff brothers coming through and it's a good inspitation for myself because with the right attitude and working hard everyday, you can get given that chance (at senior level) and when you get that chance, you have to grasp it."