Newcastle United summer signing from AC Milan called up to first-team training for Spurs test

Newcastle United youngster Cathal Heffernen has been pictured training with the first team ahead of this weekend’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Son of two former Olympians, the centre-back arrived from AC Milan last summer. Heffernen, a Cork native, ironically scored against his former club in the UEFA Youth League at the back end of last year.

The 18-year-old has impressed at junior level and also bagged in the 3-2 derby win over Sunderland last month. An injury crisis has now creaked the window of opportunity open for Heffernen to stake his claim.

Sven Botman and club captain Jamaal Lascelles are ruled out for up to nine months with ACL injuries - leaving Dan Burn and Fabian Schar as the only recognised first-team centre-backs. Eddie Howe may be forced to turn to young blood should the crisis deepen.

The likes of Amadou Diallo, Joe White and Alex Murphy have featured in recent matchday squads without getting a look-in. Heffernen could now be next off the Benton production line after being snapped training with the first team by the club’s media channels.

The defender hailed joining the Magpies as “a dream come true” following his switch from Milan last summer. He told NUFC TV: "It's surreal to join such a big club like Newcastle. It's definitely a club that is on the rise and with a lot of history. I've been so excited to get started and I'm now looking forward to a big season ahead.

"It's unreal to sign for Newcastle United and a real dream come true. I've always had a football in my hands growing up and it's always been a big part of my family.

"The heritage of the football club was a big factor in my reason to sign. There's a lot of history here, the fanbase is unbelievable and I think it looks like a great place to be at."