Seldon, who joined Newcastle's Academy as a seven-year-old, has made a strong start to the current campaign after scoring five goals in his opening six Under-18 Premier League fixtures as well as making his Under-21s debut during last month's EFL Trophy victory against York City. The promising left winger, who hails from Houghton-le-Spring, believes his bright displays in the last 12 months have played a key factor towards putting pen to paper on a maiden pro deal with the Magpies. "I'm delighted to sign it," Seldon told newcastleunited.com. "When you're young, working your way through the Academy to sign that first professional contract is what you're aiming to do. "I've got lots of strong relationships with the Academy coaches as well as my teammates. I also feel like you get a lot of opportunities. I've been able to play with the Under-18s when I was 16 years old, playing in the UEFA Youth League with the Under-19s last season and recently playing with the Under-21s. "My performances have been good and I think I've deserved it. I'm showing everyone the right side of me. I've gained a lot of confidence in the last 18 months which has helped me to get where I am. I back myself a lot more compared to what I did when I was younger." Seldon's impressive outings at Under-18 level were rewarded with a first taste of Under-21s football this season before the exciting teenager netted his first goal for United's second-string during a National League Cup clash against Solihull Moors earlier this month, becoming the club's youngest goalscorer in the competition. "It's been a great couple of weeks," he added. "The step up into Under-21s football is harder so it felt amazing to score my first goal for the team. It shows I am capable of doing it at a higher age group and not just with the Under-18s. "It was a good experience playing in front of a crowd [in the EFL Trophy at York] against professional players. After my start with the Under-18s, I thought I deserved that chance and I don't think I could have made my debut in a better competition against a strong men's team."

Seldon, who signed a full-time scholarship with Newcastle last summer, made his Under-18s bow as a 15-year-old as well as becoming the club's youngest outfield player to feature in the UEFA Youth League, making his tournament debut one day after his 16th birthday.

The 17-year-old was pleased to maintain his positive form in front of goal despite suffering an injury setback in January, netting nine league goals at Under-18 level last season as a schoolboy.

"I had a good end to last season after being injured," he explained. "I finished the season strong and it's been really positive to carry on that form into this season, showing it wasn't a one-off and that I can keep those levels at a high standard.

"I took my chances at the start of the season, proving why I should be there. I picked up a back injury at the start of the year which kept me out for two months. It was very hard missing a few games and watching everyone else play football.

"I managed to get stronger away from the pitch, though, and I had that hunger and desire to be back as quickly as possible. When I came back, I managed to carry on that form."

After five Magpies Academy products were named on the bench in last month's Premier League win against Hull City, Seldon is keen to follow in similar footsteps in the future whilst also targeting a first international call-up with England at youth level.

Seldon, who wears the number 90 shirt, said: "Having a lot of players in the first-team was amazing for the Academy because it shows there is a pathway into the first-team. If you play well, the opportunities are there for you to take.

"Everyone wants to make their professional debut for the first-team, whether that's in the Premier League or cup competitions, but one aim of mine this season is getting my first call-up with England. I've never had one but I think if I keep performing the way I am, it will hopefully come.

"Everyone wants to play for their national team and represent their country. It's something I want to strive for."