Tom Heardman is still awaiting a chance to make his Newcastle United first-team debut.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Tom Heardman has suggested that the prospect of working under Rafa Benitez is giving him extra motivation to try and earn a first-team spot at Newcastle United, the Chronicle reports.
Heardman is still awaiting his debut for the senior side and is currently plying his trade with the under-23s after a brief loan spell with Hartlepool United earlier in the season.
The 21-year-old has done well for the youth team recently with five goals coming in eight starts, including a brace in the win over Fulham earlier this week.
And he insisted that the possibility of working under Benitez should be all the motivation the club’s youngsters need to push for that chance in the first-team.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez speaks to players
“It’s incredible for us to have a manager of his stature here at the club. For the whole club it’s an amazing thing,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“You look at the first team with him in charge and that’s where you want to be.
“That’s ultimately what the Under-23s is about – becoming a player that can push for the first team and get some game time. The ultimate goal is to play first team for Newcastle United.”
While it seems almost impossible to imagine Benitez throwing him into the side currently with promotion yet to be confirmed, it may not be out of the question to suggest that he may get a chance before the curtain comes down on the campaign.
Dwight Gayle is currently sidelined with injury, and while Daryl Murphy and Aleksandar Mitrovic will surely fill the void until automatic-promotion is wrapped up, Benitez may perhaps look at Heardman’s recent impressive record and be tempted to give him some minutes before the season ends when the pressure is off.
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