Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman admits he’s in a ‘bad situation’ at St James’ Park

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Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman is nowhere near senior football.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has been highly rated for some time now, but he’s in real danger of stagnating on Tyneside.

The Magpies have had problems bringing through players from their youth setup in recent years, with Adam Armstrong the most high-profile departure from the Newcastle youth ranks having once been tipped for stardom.

Other youngsters are looking for a shot under Rafael Benitez, but the Spaniard’s record in terms of developing youth is far from impressive over the years, and some players may have to consider exits.

One such player is goalkeeper Woodman, who left Crystal Palace for Newcastle in 2013, reuniting with father Andy, who was the Newcastle goalkeeping coach at the time of his move.

Woodman hit the headlines in 2017, as he helped England win the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea, but it hasn’t helped his push for first-team football with Newcastle.

Even with problems between the sticks last season, Woodman was overlooked, and after making his first-team debut in an FA Cup tie against Luton Town in January, he was loaned out to Aberdeen as Martin Dubravka arrived.

Woodman is back with with Newcastle but remains some way from Benitez’s first team, and wasn’t allowed to leave on loan as his contract expires in 2020 – but Woodman is still hoping for a January loan move.

Woodman has told The Chronicle that he is training hard and will be prepared for any loan move, but admitted that he is playing for Newcastle’s Under-23’s in order to try and get something out of what he calls a ‘bad situation’ as he sits waiting for senior football.

“It’s competitive but I am training really hard,” said Woodman. “I am working really well with the goalkeeper coach and the other goalkeepers. I am trying to keep my standards high. January is around the corner and I have to be prepared for it when it comes.”

“I’ve always said I enjoy playing football so whatever level it is, I am going to enjoy it. I don’t have to play for the Under-23s – I choose to play. I just want to get the best out of a bad situation,” he added.