Norwegian midfielder ‘proud to announce’ Newcastle United deadline day move

Norwegian youth international Travis Hernes is “proud” to have joined Newcastle United from League One side Shrewsbury Town.

The young midfielder was an under-the-radar signing on deadline day and soon made his Magpies debut in the under-21’s Papa Johns Trophy defeat to Wrexham last week.

United had already confirmed Hernes’ arrival but the player himself has commented for the first time since completing the move to Tyneside.

Posting on Instagram, Hernes said: “Proud to announce the start of a new chapter @nufc - Thanks to all the staff and players @shrewsburytown. God is great.”

The 17-year-old has been involved in Shrewsbury’s first-team plans this season. He made his League One debut against Cheltenham Town on the opening day and also started the recent Carabao Cup clash at Leeds United.

Hernes signed his first professional contract last month before impressing on trial and Newcastle’s academy base.

Shrewsbury director of football Micky Moore said: “Travis is a fantastic young man and everyone at Shrewsbury would like to wish him luck for his move to Newcastle.

“When I joined the club in the summer, I said I was determined to create a pathway that will see more of our academy players progress into the first team.

“Travis made his league debut against Cheltenham this season and also played in front of 35,000 fans when he started at Leeds. Both those games were a great learning experience for him.

“There is a part of me that would have loved to see Travis stay so he could continue his development here and get more games in our first team.

“However, the deal we have agreed with Newcastle is right for us as a football club. We also didn’t want to stand in Travis’s way as this move is a wonderful opportunity for him.

“Everyone at the football club wishes Travis the very best for the future and we will all be keeping a close eye on his career.”