The Gateshead-born 21-year-old returned from a loan spell with League Two side Crewe Alexandra at the beginning of last month and has been in great form for the Magpies at second-string level.

United ended their league campaign with two wins and a draw from their final three games, with Barlaser's performances a key factor in their upturn in form.

The six-man shortlist was decided by the Premier League Football Development Panel after PL2 coaches nominated the best performance by an opposing player in each of their league matches during the month.

Nominated alongside former England under-18 international Barlaser are Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Jack Clarke, both of Aston Villa, Aaron Connolly of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Sam Smith of Reading and West Ham United's Marcus Browne.

Barlaser has made three first-team appearances for Newcastle under Rafa Benítez - two in the FA Cup and one in the league cup.

He is likely to start for United's under-23s against Morpeth Town in the final of the Techflow Marine Northumberland Senior Cup on Wednesday night. Kick-off at St. James' Park is at 7.30pm and admission is £7 for adults and £3 concessions, via the East Stand turnstiles.

The winner of the Premier League 2 player of the month award will be announced on Tuesday, 8th May.