Scots and Irish run rule over starlet Longstaff

NEWCASTLE United midfielder Sean Longstaff has caught the eye of international scouts this season.

The 21-year-old’s impressive displays are believed to have resulted in both the Scottish FA and Republic of Ireland FA running checks on the youngster to see if he is qualifies to play for either country.

However, Newcastle-born Longstaff does not have any family connections with either country and is only eligible to represent the English FA at youth level.

Both Scotland and Ireland would have required one of Longstaff’s grandparents to have been born in their respective countries.

Scotland scout and ex-Newcastle midfielder Kevin Dillon ran the rule over Longstaff recently, while the Irish FA have also been represented at second-string games this term.

Nevertheless, the situation underlines the progress the midfielder has still made at United despite being restricted to playing reserve-team football for much of the season.

Longstaff has made a first-team bow in the League Cup and starred in United’s impressive Checkatrade Trophy campaign after helping the youngsters maintain a 100% record after wins over first-team opposition at Doncaster Rovers, Notts County and Grimsby Town.

Ben Dawson and Rafa Benitez are delighted with Longstaff’s progress, Dawson saying: “Sean has been in and around us previously.

“He is working hard day to day with the first team under Rafa Benitez.

“He then has the opportunity to play with the under-21s or the under-23s.”