Ndiweni targeting Youth Cup glory

The Toon teenagers, coached by former United centre-back Peter Ramage, make the long trip to East London to face their Hammers counterparts at the Rush Green Training Ground on Friday, 10th December (kick-off 7pm GMT).  

Ndiweni, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up at the age of 12, is hopeful United's youngsters can complete another memorable run in the tournament after reaching the quarter-finals last term for the first time since 2010 before losing out to eventual winners Aston Villa at St. James' Park.

"There's been a real buzz in training at the start of this week," the Throckley-born 18-year-old told nufc.co.uk. "Everyone has been trying their best, giving it their all, because it's a big game on Friday. It's the Youth Cup - the biggest youth competition there is so we just want to do well in it.

"These matches definitely rank at the top. I'd say it's one of the most exciting games an academy player could play in. It's such a historic competition and the team did very well last year so we want to try and replicate that. 

"We always want to aim higher, continuing to improve, and if we get further than last year it'll show an improvement in the squad and the way that we play. We want to replicate what the likes of Elliot Anderson, Joe White and Dylan Stephenson did last year in standing out." 

Ndiweni, himself, has stood out in front of goal at under-18 level, scoring his tenth of the term in all competitions against Liverpool on Saturday, and also notched his first goal at under-23 level during the young Magpies' Papa John's Trophy defeat against Mansfield Town last month.

The young striker admitted he has been pleasantly surprised with his current form and is aiming to create his own piece of history for his boyhood club after missing out on last year's FA Youth Cup action.

He added: "I've supported Newcastle all of my life so to be a part of the club's history with all of our names written in the books forever would be an amazing feeling. 

"Personally, I want to do everything I can to help the team. This is what we've looked forward to for most of the season and if I can give my part by scoring or contributing for a goal, it would mean a lot.

"At the start of this season, I didn't imagine (my goalscoring form) going this well. You always hope for a good goalscoring run but I've exceeded expectations and I'm happy that every week I can contribute to the team by scoring goals.

"I missed out on the Youth Cup last year, which was tough, but I want to put it right this year by making an impact and doing the best I can to try and win all the games."

Despite Friday's FA Youth Cup game being played behind-closed-doors, supporters will be able to watch the third round tie live on West Ham's YouTube channel.