United's second-string take on last season's National League champions at the LNER Community Stadium (kick-off 7pm BST) in their first of three Group C fixtures in the competition's Northern Section.

Newcastle's youngsters also face Bradford City and Rotherham United as they bid to reach the Round of 32 stage for the first time since 2018/19 and Pivaš, who joined Newcastle from Serbian First League outfit FK Jedinstvo Ub in the summer of 2024, is relishing the tests against senior opposition.

The 21-year-old defender told newcastleunited.com: "We're very excited. I know the competition well after playing in it last season and I'm looking forward to these games as they are beneficial for us in our development.

"They show us how physical and how much effort we need to put in to play at those levels. We are also playing at their stadiums in front of bigger crowds and atmospheres than the Premier League 2 games.

"It's a really strong group but it's important for us to try to get some points and fight against senior opponents. We really want to get out of the group stage as the club haven't done that for a while. We are excited to see what will happen.

"There's a lot of lads in the squad who have already played in this competition before so they know what is expected from us but we will support the younger lads in the group too."

Pivaš, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Eredivisie side Willem II, enjoyed a positive pre-season campaign at senior level, making his first senior start for the Magpies in a pre-season friendly win against Valencia, playing the opening 67 minutes at the Mestalla Stadium in Spain.

The Serbian youngster then made his first outings at St. James' Park, appearing from the bench in respective friendly fixtures against Bayer 04 Leverkusen and RC Strasbourg and aims to make his competitive bow for Matthias Jaissle's side this season.

"I was very proud," the 21-year-old explained. "It was an incredible moment to play with the first-team for the first time and I hope that I can play more often in the future.

"It was a brilliant atmosphere playing against a typical Spanish team in Valencia. It was great when I saw my name in the starting line-up the day before - I couldn't believe it! It was an experience I won't forget.

"To play at St. James' Park was definitely the biggest moment of my career, playing in front of such a great crowd. The main goal is to try and gain more minutes in competitive games for Newcastle this season.

"I am going to give 100% everyday to try and make that happen."

Tickets for Newcastle United Under-21s' EFL Trophy clash against York City on Tuesday 15 September can be purchased up until kick-off in advance here.

The game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports+.