The young Magpies travel to the West Midlands to face their Villans counterparts at the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground and will be in fine spirits after defeating FC Halifax Town in the National League Cup on Tuesday, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 away win against the senior outfit.

Diarmuid O'Carroll's side also recorded a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s last week and Charlton, who signed his first professional contract with the Magpies last summer, is

The 18-year-old left-back, who made his Newcastle first-team debut during a post-season friendly clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Melbourne last term, told newcastleunited.com: "It's always going to be hard playing against first-team sides who are bigger and more experienced but we played to our strengths, kept the ball well and I thought Halifax were lucky to score.

"We'd been the better team up until they scored so we kept at it, stuck to the game plan and it worked out in the end.

"We'll want to build on the win against Blackburn, too, but also look at finishing more chances. We were really pleased to get a clean sheet and, as a defender, it's the best outcome when you don't concede.

"A good result against Villa would put us in good stead and keep our momentum going. Hopefully, we can get into the play-offs this season."

Charlton, who joined United's youth set-up in 2013, admitted he has relished the opportunities presented to him so far this term after signing his first professional deal with the Magpies last summer.

"It's been really good so far since becoming a pro," the Gateshead-born teenager added. "I'm enjoying the tests against senior opposition and playing in the cup matches, such as the EFL Trophy and National League Cup.

"I also think I'm getting stronger in the gym and mentally too, making sure I'm starting the games quicker so, overall, it's been quite positive."