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Thompson: "We want to win the Youth Cup"
Written by Luke Vinton
Newcastle United Under-18s begin their FA Youth Cup campaign at the third round stage away at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night, with Ciaran Thompson hopeful of a positive run in the competition.
The Toon teenagers travel to the capital aiming to progress into the fourth round for a third successive term, taking on their Addicks counterparts at The Valley (kick-off 7pm GMT).
Thompson, who primarily plays in central defence, is relishing the prospect of featuring at a former Premier League stadium in the third round tie.
The 18-year-old defender, who hails from Blyth, told nufc.co.uk: "Me and the lads are really looking forward to the game. It's one of the games you are always looking forward to playing in as Youth Cup games always bring that special feeling to it.
"The Youth Cup matches are a big part of our season. This cup competition is the most historic to play in as a youth player. We are aiming to win the Youth Cup as we look to win everything we compete in because that's the kind of team we are.
"When we found out we were playing at their ground, we were really excited. Playing away in this competition is always tough as they often have big crowds but this will only motivate us to bring home a result."
Thompson, who joined Newcastle's Academy at the age of 13, was part of the under-18 squad which reached the FA Youth Cup fifth round last term, playing in front of 1,279 spectators at St. James' Park during the young Magpies' fourth round victory against Colchester United.
The cup memories remain special to the teenage centre-back, who aims to create similar experiences in this year's competition, with Newcastle's youngsters bidding to win a third Youth Cup title in the club's history and their first since a squad involving Geordie midfielder Paul Gascoigne lifted the trophy in 1985.
He added: "Last year was really special for me. We pulled off two great wins against West Ham United and Colchester but unfortunately I couldn't make the Blackpool game. Those matches I did play in have been the best experiences I've had in my career so far.
"I just hope we can have another strong run in the competition to give me and the lads more of those great experiences we had last year."
"The Youth Cup matches are a big part of our season. This cup competition is the most historic to play in as a youth player. We are aiming to win the Youth Cup as we look to win everything we compete in because that's the kind of team we are."