"A good challenge" - Ndiweni ready for Rovers friendly

Following a six-day training camp in Pinatar, Newcastle's second-string kicked their pre-season campaign with an impressive 2-1 win against Elche CF's first-team on Saturday evening, with Ndiweni breaking the deadlock five minutes after the restart as a second-half substitute.

The 18-year-old forward, who joined United's Academy at the age of 12, is hopeful the young Magpies can pursue their bright form before beginning their 2022/23 Premier League 2 Division Two campaign.

The Throckley-born teenager told nufc.co.uk: "Ultimately, we want to be competing in the top division of Premier League 2 so testing ourselves against a top tier team in Blackburn will be good for knowing where we want to be and what we have to work at. It'll be a good challenge.

"The team spirit is good at the minute, especially when you beat a La Liga team. The confidence is high, spirits are high and that's what you really want in pre-season before the start of a new season.

"After the (hip tendon) injury I had last season and working hard in getting back to full fitness, it was nice to score and win which was a good way to finish the training camp in Spain. We worked everyday out there and it was a good bonus at the end to come away with the win. 

"We played in different weather conditions and facing a top side in Elche. That's where we want to be in our careers and the level that we strive to get to.

"I think when you win in pre-season, it leads you nicely into the league season. It gives you confidence and makes winning a culture and instills a positive mentality within the whole squad."

After signing his first professional contract with his boyhood club earlier this month, Ndiweni is aiming to use the pre-season friendlies as key preparation in making the step up from under-18 to under-21s football.

The promising youngster suffered a hip tendon injury during the latter stages of the 2021/22 season and is therefore targeting more minutes on the pitch after being sidelined for three months.

Ndwieni, who registered 14 goals in 19 competitive matches for Newcastle's under-18 side last term, as well as scoring in a Papa John's Trophy defeat at League Two Mansfield Town for United's under-21 squad, added: "As an individual, I'm aiming to get as many minutes and game time under my belt, especially after the injury I picked up.

"Eventually, I'll look towards scoring goals and going back to what I did last season. The game against Elche was a surprise to be on the scoresheet already after focussing on completing a full half. 

"Playing these friendlies are useful to give me an idea of the speed and standard, letting me get used to under-21 level. It's a different team with a different manager so there's a new style of play and seeing what Elliott Dickman likes and wants to me improve on in my development as a player."

Newcastle United Under-21s' pre-season friendly against their Blackburn counterparts on Wednesday, 20th July will take place at Rovers' Academy, with spectators able to attend the fixture for free.