Fernández eyeing Northumberland Senior Cup success

The young Magpies make the short trip to Sam Smith's Park on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm GMT) to take on the Northern League division one outfit in a repeat of the 2018 semi-final, which Ben Dawson's side won 3-0 at Whitley Park.

Fernández - who was part of the United side which won the competition that year - believes Newcastle's youngsters are more than capable of regaining the title for a 39th time following last season's semi-final defeat to champions Morpeth Town. 

"There's a good chance for us to win a trophy," the Spaniard told nufc.co.uk. "We are playing against older players but maybe they are at a lower level technically than those we have played in the Checkatrade Trophy, Premier League Cup, International Cup and Premier League 2.

"It's different as they are not full-time but we are going to be playing on their pitch and they will be wanting to win so it will be difficult. 

"Obviously, it is also tough games against these teams because they are normally very physical and when they play against Newcastle, they'll want to prove they are  a good side so it will be a difficult game but a one I think we should be able to win.

"It was great memories to win the cup (in 2018). It is always good to win a trophy and we won at St. James' Park (against Morpeth Town) which was great. We'd like to play there as much as possible and this competition gives us that opportunity.

"I think we are the favourites to win the competition as we are Newcastle United but they they're not going to put it easy to us. They and all the other teams want to win it just as much as we do." 

After appearing in a 1-1 draw against Hull City on the Premier League Cup on Friday, Fernández could be in line to make his fifth consecutive start for United's second-string and the 21-year-old, who primarily plays on the left wing, expressed his joy to be back playing competitive football.

The forward missed the majority of last season due to a hip injury and suffered more injury issues during the first half of the season but admitted he is glad to be back to full fitness.

"I'm feeling good, because at the beginning of the season, I was struggling to be able to play the full 90 minutes because I was usually getting cramps and only playing for 60-70 minutes or suffering hamstring problems. I'm feeling good and feel I'm able to play the full game which is a lot of confidence for me to keep playing.

"I think we should have got the win against Hull because we had plenty of chances. If we don't put the ball in the back of the net, you are going to struggle to beat teams. We were unlucky because we missed some good chances and were the better team. If we can take our chances against Benfield then, hopefully, we can get back to winning ways."