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McArthur relishing Premier League 2 finale at St. James'
Charlie McArthur admits playing at St. James' Park would be a "brilliant experience" ahead of Newcastle United Under-21s' final Premier League 2 game of the 2023/24 season against Aston Villa.
The young Magpies host their Villans counterparts on Monday night (kick-off 7pm BST) aiming to end their league campaign in positive fashion before facing an away trip to Ashington in the Northumberland Senior Cup semi-finals on Thursday night.
McArthur, who has captained Scotland at under-19 level, revealed his excitement at the prospect of featuring at St. James' Park for the first time since joining United from hometown club Kilmarnock in the summer of 2022.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who made his senior debut in October 2021 at the age of 16, told newcastleunited.com. "I think we're all really looking forward to it. It's a big game, especially at St. James' Park, and I'm looking forward to lining up at the stadium for the first time.
"I think it's just for us to finish the season strongly and making sure we get a good result, especially at home in front of many people and impressing those who will be watching.
"It'll be a brilliant experience playing at St. James', especially when you see the first-team there and in front of all the fans so it would be an absolute pleasure to play there.
"When you join, that's where you want to be playing, on the biggest stage so, for me, I want to play well and get a good result to finish the season well. I'd very happy with that.
"As long as the performance is there, the result should come with it. The pitch will be perfect as well so it's the best stage to end the league season."
Newcastle's second-string head into the clash against Villa following a 2-1 away win against nine-man Stoke City on Friday night.
McArthur expressed his delight in prevailing against the Potters and is hopeful United's youngsters can back-to-back league wins for the first time this term.
"It was very important to get three points against Stoke on Friday," McArthur added. "It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next game against Villa and a lot to build on throughout.
"Although they went down to nine men, we still outplayed them and kept the ball well to make sure we got three points in the end."
Admission for Monday's Premier League 2 visit of Aston Villa at St. James' Park is free for season ticket holders, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.