Newcastle United youngster makes debut to help thwart Manchester United
Newcastle United prospect Kyle Fitzgerald made his under-18s debut as they drew 0-0 with Manchester United.
Signed from Galway United last week, the Republic of Ireland youth international was thrown into the deep end at Carrington. Fitzgerald followed in Alex Murphy’s footsteps by ditching Galway for Tyneside - and immediately set out a long-term vision to break into Eddie Howe’s squad.
“Short-term, I want to show the academy why they signed me and try to get goals, assists and win games,” he told the club website. “In the long term, it would be getting into the under-21s squad, playing well for them and showing my qualities.
“Hopefully, the gaffer (Howe) can give me a chance in a few training sessions to prove myself to try and get into first-team matchday squads and, hopefully, make my debut for Newcastle United in the future.”
Steve Harper, Newcastle’s academy director, also welcomed Fitzgerald’s arrival following a successful trial. Toon chiefs have made youth investment a key priority since the Saudi-backed takeover.
"We are delighted Kyle has chosen to join the club amidst lots of interest from other big clubs,” he added. "He has impressed during a trial period with the Academy and we are very pleased he is joining us at this crucial stage of his career.
"Our talent pathway has had some big success stories in recent years so the challenge is there for Kyle and all of our players to continue their development and hopefully follow in the footsteps of those who have gone on to compete in the first-team squad."
Fitzgerald came on for the final 20 minutes as Chris Moore’s men ground out a 0-0 draw. Newcastle’s under-18 side sit seventh in the table, with Man United second after 15 games.