Newcastle's second-string kick off their Division Two campaign on Monday, 16th August when they host the Royals at Whitley Park.

Savage, who joined the Magpies in June following his departure from Liverpool, is targeting a positive start to the 2021/22 season with his new club but is expecting a difficult encounter against the Berkshire-based outfit.

The 19-year-old centre-back told nufc.co.uk: "The whole squad are looking forward to getting the season started. We've been working hard in pre-season, had a few friendlies and got a lot of minutes in the tank. We can't wait to get started, and hopefully get the win on Monday.

"It would be good to get three points in our first game because we'd be in a good place and we'd gain more confidence. Hopefully, we can get that winning mentality into us starting against Reading.

"Every game is always going to be a tough test. There's a lot of good teams in the league and I'm expecting Reading to bring their best side and their best version of themselves.

"We're definitely going to do the same as we've been practicing, training hard and putting the work in. It will be a tough game but hopefully we can come out on top on Monday night."

Newcastle's second-string ended their pre-season schedule with a goalless draw against their Liverpool counterparts, with the teenage centre-back keeping a clean sheet against his former side at the Reds' Kirkby Academy.

Adapting to his new surroundings, Savage admitted he is already developing strong relationships with his new team-mates, particularly his fellow defenders.

The centre-back added: "There's already been a lot of learning curves from the pre-season friendlies, physically and mentally, so it's been a good pre-season as I've taken a lot from the matches I've played.

"It was a good game against Liverpool. I think we could have won the game as we had a lot of chances to score. I was pleased to keep a clean sheet, especially against my old club, and I want to try to bring that into Monday's game in keeping the ball out of the net.

"We're getting to know each other a lot in pre-season and once we get to know each other more, we can gain strong partnerships at the back. As a defender, your job is to keep clean sheets."

The teenage defender, part of Liverpool's FA Youth Cup winning side in 2019, admitted he is enjoying his time on Tyneside, which included a memorable visit to St. James' Park for the Magpies' pre-season friendly encounter against Norwich City.

"I've settled in very well," he said. "The players and staff have been so welcoming and I feel like I've been there for ages even though it's been a month or so. Coming into a new club, you can be a bit nervous but everyone has been great towards me so I'm very happy about that."

No spectators will be able to attend the Premier League 2 clash, with the young Magpies' curtain raiser against the Royals set to be played behind-closed-doors at Whitley Park.