The 31-year-old centre-back was an unused substitute in Newcastle's 2-0 win against Chelsea last weekend, named in a senior matchday squad for the first time since March 2024 after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but played a steady opening half for United's second-string at the Magpies' Training Centre.
The Derby-born defender went close to opening the scoring for United on two occasions in the opening minutes of the behind-closed-doors encounter, heading wide from Leo Shahar's free-kick before his powerful header from Shahar's corner towards the back post shortly after was held by the Celtic goalkeeper.
Newcastle opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Sean Neave as the England Under-18 international, named on the bench for United's Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool in March, was the quickest to react after Alfie Harrison's stinging shot from the edge of the box was parried into the striker's path by steering the rebound into the net from close-range.
Nine changes were made before the restart, with the likes of Garang Kuol, Ben Parkinson and Kyle Fitzgerald introduced to the field of play, and it was the former who went agonisingly close to doubling Newcastle's lead as the Australia international, who represented his country at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, raced through on goal but placed his low effort wide of the right-hand post.
Jay Turner-Cooke, introduced at the break, took his turn in front of goal as the South Shields-born midfielder, who made his senior debut for Eddie Howe's side in the Diriyah Season Cup against Al Hilal in December 2022, latched onto Parkinson's cutback but steered his stabbed shot wide of the left-hand post.
Magpies goalkeeper Adam Harrison, who played the full 90 minutes, produced a string of strong stops throughout the friendly clash but his clean sheet hopes were dashed in the closing stages following an impressive curling strike.
Parkinson, who scored eight goals in 11 Premier League 2 matches this season, was unable to restore Newcastle's lead in the final stages as the Durham-born forward, who made his Premier League debut away at AFC Bournemouth during the 2023/24 campaign, saw a stinging drive inside the penalty area blocked by the Celtic goalkeeper.
Newcastle United Under-21s (first-half): Adam Harrison, Leo Shahar, Jamaal Lascelles, Cathal Heffernan, Dylan Charlton, Rory Finneran, Anthony Munda, Alfie Harrison, Johnny Emerson, Trevan Sanusi, Sean Neave.
Newcastle United Under-21s (second-half): Adam Harrison, Rory Powell, Harry Powell, Ciaran Thompson, Dylan Charlton, Scott Bailey, Jay Turner-Cooke, Baran Yildiz, Kyle Fitzgerald, Garang Kuol, Ben Parkinson.
