Kyle Scott says the pathway from Newcastle United’s under-23s to the first team was a big factor in his decision to join the Magpies.
The 21-year-old checked in at St. James’ Park this week after spending 12 years with Chelsea, where he progressed through the age groups before making his first team debut in February 2018.
Scott – whose bow for the Blues came in an FA Cup tie against Hull City – saw Sean Longstaff’s emergence on Tyneside last term, and believes the chance for players like himself to follow in the youngster’s footsteps is a big pull as he gets ready for his first campaign in black and white.
“Looking at the opportunity here, it’s even greater than at clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City,” he told nufc.co.uk. “Newcastle is a massive club with massive history, and for young kids they get that opportunity – obviously you see with Longstaff, he did it last year – so it’s a good opportunity for me.
“Newcastle are in the Premier League and a massive club. You look at what kind of players have come through here and how much opportunity they get, and I do feel at this place they do give it. As long as you’re doing well, working hard and playing well, then I think you’ll get your chance.”
He added: “I think I knew I was coming here for a long time, but obviously now I can get into training and get back into it.
“When they came back (after the summer), I knew I was still coming here, but it was just when I could start training. I was doing stuff on my own, but it’s not the same as coming in and training and working towards the season. Now I can do that.”
Scott says that United winger Rolando Aarons, who he has known since childhood, told him all about his new club and the passion of its supporters.
And having spent the first half of last season on loan at Dutch side Telstar, Scott believes the experience has helped him as he sets his sights on playing regular football again.
“I went to Holland last year. I decided to come back in January. it was my decision – I just felt it wasn’t the right place for me,” he explained. “It always prepares you though – it’s men’s football at the end of the day – so no matter where you are, it’s a different thing. Over there, it was a good experience – you learn different things, and even living out there in a different country, it builds you as a character.”
The central midfielder has American and Italian grandparents, and also has some Irish links on his father’s side of the family.
He has represented England, the Republic of Ireland and the USA internationally during his teenage years, but Scott – who could make his debut for the under-23s in Monday’s pre-season friendly at Rotherham United – says he’s fully focussed on making his mark with the Magpies.
He added: “At the moment, I’m more focussed on getting back to regular football because it’s been a while, and making my stature here and seeing where that goes.”