Derby’s a dream tie for Toon youngsters
CATS CLASH JUST REWARD FOR TROPHY HOPEFULS
NEWCASTLE United young gun Kelland Watts says that this week’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against Sunderland is the stuff of dreams for the club’s youngsters.
United warmed up for the game with a 3-2 win at the Academy of Light in Premier League 2 last Friday, but the stakes have been raised again with Wembley on the horizon for the winners of this tie.
The third-round encounter at the Stadium of Light will see 2,800 Geordie fans travel to Wearside for a game that could attract a Premier League-sized crowd.
After beating Doncaster, Grimsby, Notts County and Macclesfield to get this far, the derby game against Sunderland’s first team is rich reward for the young Magpies.
Watts, one of the most promising players from the club’s Academy in recent years, can’t wait for the battle against the Black Cats.
He told the Chronicle: “We were all buzzing when that draw came through.
“It’s against a good side and we know it will be tough but it was great to see Sunderland vs Newcastle come out the hat.
“What Geordie lad doesn’t want to play in Wear-Tyne derby?
“This will be a great night and I am sure we will remember it for the rest of our lives, but we just have to play the game and not the occasion.
“Ben Dawson always talks about not rising to the occasion but sinking to the level we train at and doing the right things.
“We have to do the basics right and then go from there.
“Hopefully we can come out on top.”
Throughout the Checkatrade Trophy run, Newcastle’s hardcore fans have turned up to support the club’s younger players – but now they will be backed by a huge army of black and whites against the League One outfit.
England youth international Watts said: “We’re expecting a decent turnout.
“The Geordie fans will come in force and support the lads. We have done well in the Checkatrade Trophy this season and got good results.
“We have played against EFL teams, which has shown us the level. “We’ve beaten four EFL teams this season and no matter what team they are or where they are in the league table it’s a great feeling beating them.” United booked their place in the last 16 with a penalty shoot-out win against Macclesfield at St James’ Park before Christmas.
Watts said: “The Macclesfield game resulted in a few nerves playing at St James’ Park.
“We knew there was a place in the last 16 at stake and there were nerves, but we scored five out five. “Nathan Harker made a class save for one of the pens and you can’t ask much more. “We’ve had a few league games since then and Ben Dawson has told us to keep focused, but we are looking forward to Sunderland in the Checkatrade Trophy.”
This will be a great night and I am sure we will remember it for the rest of our lives Kelland Watts