Academy. Harrison loving life on Tyneside

alfie-harrison
Published
04 Apr 24

Since arriving at Newcastle United in February, teenage midfielder Alfie Harrison admitted he is loving his time on Tyneside so far.

The highly-rated 18-year-old joined the Magpies until the summer of 2026 from Manchester City before making his full debut for United's under-21 side during a Premier League 2 encounter against Liverpool's second-string in February 2023.

The Bradford-born youngster, who scored eight goals in as many Under-18 Premier League North fixtures for City earlier this term, has started Newcastle's last five matches at under-21 level and has relished the opening stages, both on and off the pitch, with his new club.

"It's been a jump up from the under-18s but I think it's a good one," the attacking midfielder told nufc.co.uk. "Playing for the under-21s is an extra step closer to the first-team where everyone wants to be.

"I'm adapting and getting used to the style and pace of the game but I back myself to push on further in my career. I love the fact those games feel a lot more competitive with the under-21s and there is more riding on results, with both teams doing anything to win.

"When we played against Sunderland's under-21 side, they had a lot of first-team players in their team which is good as you learn a lot from facing experienced professionals. It inspires you more to show them where you want to be and that you are good enough.

"All the people I've interacted with at the club have been top people and I'm loving my time in Newcastle.

"You set yourself aims and you want to do the best as you can day in day out. The end goal is to get to first-team level. You never know how long that may take but you've just got to keep working each day and seeing where it will take me."

Newcastle's youngsters return to Premier League 2 action on Friday, 5th April when hosting West Bromwich Albion at Whitley Park (kick-off 7pm BST), with the young Magpies aiming to enhance their hopes of a top 16 spot with a positive result against their Baggies counterparts.

With five league matches remaining, four of which take place on home soil, Harrison is keen for United's second-string to flourish in the closing stages of the 2023/24 campaign.

He added: "We need to pick up as many points as possible to try and get into the play-off spots and play more games this season.

"The lads are familiar with the home ground and it could give us an extra advantage to try and pick up wins.

"We are scoring and getting the chances, which we have taken against Sunderland and Middlesbrough. Sunderland was a massive win for us, (winning 3-2) in the derby, and there is still stuff for us to learn after the (3-2) loss against Middlesbrough."

Newcastle United season ticket holders can gain free admission for the young Magpies' Premier League 2 visit of West Bromwich Albion on Friday, 5th April, otherwise it's £3 adults and £1 concessions.

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