Charlton relishing Dortmund duel

The Toon teenagers host their Dortmund counterparts at the Gateshead International Stadium (kick-off 3pm BST) aiming to move level on points with the German outfit, currently situated in second place on three points, with a much-needed victory.

The young Magpies suffered a cruel victory in their last UEFA Youth League encounter at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, conceding in stoppage-time during a narrow 1-0 defeat but Charlton, who joined the Magpies’ Academy at the age of seven, is hopeful the team can bounce back in order to maintain their hopes of progressing into the knockout stages of the competition.

The Gateshead-born left-back told nufc.co.uk: “It’s a big game for us. There’s a different buzz in the changing room. It’s a home fixture against one of the best teams in Europe.

“It should be a good test for us as a team and, as a club, we belong alongside those teams. Playing at the stadium has a good feeling around the game with a strong atmosphere and definitely gives me a good taste and experience for games in the future.

"We fell short at the final hurdle against PSG in our last Youth League match which was tough to take after a good performance. We could have been more clinical in front of goal and it was frustrating to concede late on. Going forward, though, we can definitely build upon that."

Charlton, who signed a full-time scholarship with the Magpies in the summer of 2022, recently broke into the Magpies’ under-21 side, making his second-string bow during a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town in September’s Premier League Cup Group F clash at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The 17-year-old defender has enjoyed making the step up from under-18 to under-21 football in recent weeks and is determined to build on his bright displays of late for United’s second-string.

The Heworth Grange School pupil added: “Playing at under-21 level is helping me to develop more as a player, having a better understanding of the game and being more fast-thinking along with dealing with the intensity of the games.

“I’ve had a number of different tests, both against senior teams and under-21 sides, so I think that’s only going to help me progress. There is a lot of physical demands at under-21 level, with a lot more running. You also have to be quicker on the ball but I think I’m adapting to that well.

“Overall, it’s been good so far. This season, I’d like to continue playing regularly for the under-21s and to have a good run in the FA Youth Cup with the under-18s. Long term, the aim would be to secure a professional contract with the club.”

Tickets for Newcastle United Under-19s’ UEFA Youth League Group F clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Gateshead International Stadium are priced at £5 for adults (18-64 year-olds) and £2 for concessions (65+ and 17 or under), with gates opening from 2pm (BST).