ARRIVAL OF HEED NEW DUO BOOSTS WATSON

GATESHEAD boss Steve Watson reckons he has landed an “outstanding and exciting” new midfield duo which could be set to shake-up the National League.

Cash-strapped Heed have clinched a deal for former Carlisle United man Cameron Salkeld, 19, on a one-year deal and Middlesbrough Under-23 starlet Lewis Maloney – Watson’s 10th and 11th signings of a busy summer.

“They’ve been training with us and in that time all I’ve tried to do is find out a bit more about them and if they buy into what we’re trying to do, which I think they do,” said Watson, the former Everton and Newcastle United defender.

“They are both young, both hungry and give us options.”

Self-confessed Heed fan Salkeld has has previous experience at Carlisle, where he made two appearances during the 2016/17 season – he grabbed a goal and an assist in the EFL Trophy against Fleetwood Town and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

“It’s fair to say I’m a bit of a fan, my family support the club, but now I just want to play football and help get the club where it belongs,” said Salkeld.

“I’m an energetic and fast winger who doesn’t mind the rough and tumble side of the game and I’m obviously very passionate about the club being a Gateshead lad as well.”

Maloney, 23, has come on board having trained with the Heed since the back-end of last season.

Also on a one-year contract, Maloney told the club’s official website: “I can’t wait to get started. I’m a small, technical midfielder with a good engine and I’ll always give 100 per cent for the team.

“I’m delighted to be here, close to home with a good bunch of lads and at a club who have exciting targets for this season.”

Both Salkeld and Maloney starred in the Heed’s first practice game of pre-season on Thursday when they ran out 4-0 winners over a Catalyst Sports Management XI.

“They were both outstanding,” Watson said.