Sorensen hunting for 20-goal mark

The young Magpies sit in third place of Division Two, three points adrift of leaders Wolves, and can achieve play-off qualification with a win over the Potters at the bet365 Stadium.

Sørensen has netted 19 goals this term, including the winner in United's reverse 3-2 win over Stoke back in November, and believes there is an added incentive for the Academy squad ahead of their trip to Staffordshire.

"It's a massive game for the team," he told nufc.co.uk. "We are trying to gain promotion by getting into the play-offs and every game from now on is like a final as they are all important for us.

"There is extra motivation to win against Stoke as we know that we can secure our place in the play-offs. We were always looking to get promotion which was our aim at the start of the season.

"The squad can take great confidence from the last two games. We managed to beat Derby and we were 2-0 up at half-time. They are in the top three of the division above ours and we beat Wolves (top of Division Two). It shows that if we get into the play-offs, we might have a chance in getting promoted. Obviously, we are trying to look at each game as it comes. 

"It's a good group of lads. We're all young and striving for the same thing. Everyone is honest and working hard every day in training, whilst working their socks off for each other in the matches." 

The 19-year-old's exciting form for the under-23s attracted the attention of Blackpool but, after moving to the Seasiders on loan in January, Sørensen quickly returned to Tyneside in March after a lack of game-time with the League One club.

Although Sørensen was unable to earn valuable experience from his spell on the Lancashire coast, the teenager is aiming to restore his goalscoring touch and revealed he is close to achieving a bet made with his father at the beginning of the campaign. 

Sørensen added: "It has been a bit difficult in the second half of the season. I went away on loan to Blackpool and lost all my confidence as I didn't really get my chance or a sniff in the first team.

"I've come back to the Academy trying to get back to full fitness, which was one of the main things and I feel that if I can get that first goal since coming back from loan, the form I had in the first half of the season will all come back to me."

"I always want to score the goals for the team to help them get the win. The most important thing is making sure we get the victory even if that means not scoring.

"I had a bet with my dad before the start of the season that I'd get 20 goals for the entire campaign. I want to try and win that too as he didn't think I'd manage to get that many goals but I still think I've been able to prove him wrong."