'Unfortunately' - Newcastle United goalkeeper reacts to surprise call-up after injury

Newcastle United goalkeeper Max Thompson has revealed his delight over the progress he has made during a loan spell with League One club Northampton Town.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper is highly-rated within the Magpies academy and has trained alongside United’s senior stoppers over the last two years.  Thompson has featured in matchday squads for a number of first-team friendlies and earned England Under-18 caps alongside the likes of Manchester City star Rico Lewis and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

The young keeper made the first loan move of his career in August when he joined Northampton on a deal that will keep him with the League One club until next month.  Although he was expected to initially provide support for Cobblers stopper Lee Burge throughout his time at Sixfields, an injury to the former Sunderland man has ensured Thompson has enjoyed regular first-team football.

The Magpies prospect has kept four clean sheets in 15 starts in all competitions and he has admitted the step up to the senior game has been a big learning curve so far.

He told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo: “I knew I was coming in as number two and I was hoping I could play a few games and see what happens but unfortunately Lee has been injured a couple of times and that’s meant I’ve played quite a lot.

“I’m learning plenty and I feel so much of my game has improved while I’ve been here. I think most of it is about game management at this level and understanding when to do things and when not to do things.  It’s very different playing at this level, especially the physicality, and it is a big step up from playing academy level but I feel like I’ve done well in the circumstances and my game is improving.”

Thompson will hope to make a seventh consecutive start when Northampton travel to Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon.