Five-goal winger shows Arsenal & Spurs what they missed out on as Newcastle United reap the rewards
Kyran Thompson scored again for Newcastle United Under-21s as they progressed to the knockout stages of the Jersey Mike's Trophy with a win over Rotherham United.
Kyran Thompson helped Newcastle United Under-21s secure a spot in the knockout round of the EFL Trophy for the first time in eight years.
The 17-year-old’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win over League Two strugglers Rotherham United as the young Magpies progressed to the last-32 of the competition.
In 2019, Newcastle reached the last-16 of the EFL Trophy, where they were beaten by Sunderland’s first-team. After failing to pick up a win in the competition for seven seasons and 21 matches, Newcastle have bucked the trend this season by beating League Two opposition York City and Rotherham to finish as group runners-up behind Bradford City.
Thompson’s composed finish in the 34th minute was his fourth of the season for Newcastle Under-21s and his fifth overall, having also scored at Under-18s level following his summer arrival from Arsenal.
Following the match, Thompson took to Instagram to post a series of images along with the caption: “1-0 win. 1 goal. Through to the next round.”
The second round ties will be regionalised and take place the week commencing December 7th.
It’s now five wins in a row in all competitions for Robbie Stockdale’s Under-21s side, with Thompson also scoring in the 3-2 Premier League 2 win over rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park last week.
Following Tuesday’s win, Stockdale said about Thompson: “Kyran is one of those players that has moments in the game. When he went through [on goal], I was confident he was going to do what he did and dink it over the goalkeeper.
“He is still a work in progress, and it’s the out-of-possession stuff we’re really driving home with him and he’s taking it on board. He’s a great kid, he’s desperate to learn, desperate to get better. He’s at a high level anyway but if we can tidy up those bits without the ball, when to press, when to win a duel, that will only stand him in good stead.”
Kyran Thompson on Newcastle United ‘project’
The teenager has also been named on the bench for Newcastle’s first-team in the Premier League as he looks to break into the squad on a regular baisis and make his senior debut.
Despite initially linking up with Newcastle’s Under-18s side on a scholarship, Thompson quickly signed his first professional contract and has already managed to impress at Under-21s level and briefly brush shoulders with the first time in his first few months at the club.
Newcastle fought off competition from other Premier League clubs to land Thompson, including Tottenham Hotspur.
"I want to keep smashing it with the Under-21s and keep starting, getting goals and assists," Thompson said. "I want to try and break into the first team.
"Newcastle is a great project with playing young players. Once I get my opportunity, it's about taking it with both hands and showing everyone what I can do."