Findlay feels right at home on Tyneside
NEWCASTLE United defender Stuart Findlay believes Rafa Benitez’s decision to hand him his first-team debut in January fully vindicated his surprise decision to join the Magpies.
The 21-year-old centre-back left Celtic last summer and, despite receiving offers from a number of Scottish top-flight clubs, opted to move to Tyneside.
And the Scotland Under-21 international did so in the knowledge that he would primarily play for Peter Beardsley’s Under-23 side, rather than the Newcastle first team.
However, Findlay played the full 90 minutes of United’s 3-1 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Birmingham City at St James’ Park in January, and did not look out of place.
“My time at Celtic was going a bit stale,” Findlay explained about his summer move.
“I wasn’t really getting anywhere and I was coming to a crossroads about what was going to be best for my career. It was obviously time to move on.
“As soon as I heard a team like Newcastle was interested, it was an absolute no-brainer.
“You’re going to jump at the chance to play at such an illustrious club with as great history and under such an impressive manager.
“Nobody I know would’ve knocked that back. I’m glad that I came. It’s my first time living away from home.
“I’ve taken it in my stride. It feels like home now.”
Along with winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni and midfielder Dan Barlaser, Findlay was given a surprise call-up to the United first team for the Cup replay with Birmingham in January.
But, having made his first Newcastle appearance, he is keen to build on that and force his way into Benitez’s long-term plans.
“For a man like Rafa to even select you for a match fills you with a lot of confidence that you didn’t have before,” the 21-year-old added. “But you can’t dwell on that performance or one good day.
“It’s about moving on and getting there regularly, not as a one-off.
“When I signed this season, Peter Beardsley told me it was up to me to do it.
“Obviously, I did well and got my first-team debut. That was a massive bonus.”