No move regrets for Findlay

STUART Findlay believes his first year at Newcastle United “could not really have gone much better” – and that proves his controversial decision to leave Celtic was justified.

The centre-back left Glasgow 12 months ago to sign for the Magpies, despite interest from a host of Scottish Premiership clubs.

Last term, the 21-year-old established himself as a mainstay in the Newcastle Under-23 side.

He also put in an impressive display on his first-team debut against Birmingham City in January’s FA Cup third-round replay at St James’ Park.

Despite many north of the border questioning his decision to swap Celtic for Newcastle, Findlay is adamant he made the right move.

“Last year I was looking at it and assessing things and I think my first year at Newcastle could not really have gone much better,” the Scotland under-21 international explained.

“I became a mainstay in the under-23s, I impressed and I had a great experience making my firstteam debut against Birmingham City.

“I don’t think I could have done much more in my first year and now, in my second year, we will see what the club have in store for me.

“Whether that is me heading out on loan or staying and playing in the Checkatrade Trophy, we will see.”

Findlay led Newcastle Under-23s to a 2-1 victory over his former club’s under-23 side on Thursday in the semi-final of the Whitby Town FC Challenge Cup.

However, he has aspirations to become a first-team regular on Tyneside and is hoping to catch Rafa Benitez’s eye by continuing to impress with the under-23s.

Findlay added: “Of course it is every player’s dream to play for the first team at this level and for such a massive club.”