Newcastle striker Tom Heardman says he is hopeful of breaking through into the Newcastle first team with manager Rafa Benitez keen to give Under 23 players chances this season.
Defender Stuart Findlay. and midfielders Daniel Barlaser and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni have all been given run outs by the Magpies boss this campaign, and Heardman told the Chronicle he is hoping to emulate his teammates.
“It’s encouraging to see other lads from Under-23s get their chance and it shows people are getting a chance if people put together good performances. Playing at St James’ Park, even for the Under-23s, is incredible. For somebody like me who comes from Newcastle themselves, it’s amazing. Hopefully I can get there when it’s a full stadium.”
Heardman started out the season on loan at Hartlepool United but only managed three appearances. He was given one start in the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland’s Under 23s in the EFL Trophy, and two brief substitute appearances in League Two.
He was recalled in January as Newcastle dealt with an injury crisis and he has subsequently featured in Newcastle’s Under 23 side under Peter Beardsley. In Premier League 2 this campaign, Heardman has played 11 times and scored five goals. His most recent was a double in the 3-1 win over Fulham for the Under 23s on Monday night.
