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'My favourite place to be' - Heffernan looks to Liverpool visit
Since joining Newcastle United last summer, teenage defender Cathal Heffernan admits the support from his teammates and coaches has allowed the city to become his "favourite place to be".
Newcastle's under-21 side welcome their Liverpool counterparts to Whitley Park on Saturday, 17th February (kick-off 1pm GMT) as they resume their Premier League 2 campaign, with the young Magpies targeting back-to-back league wins on home soil following a 1-0 win against Everton's second-string.
Heffernan, who joined the Magpies in August 2023 following his departure from AC Milan, has relished his maiden campaign on Tyneside, captaining the club's under-21 side on numerous occasions as well as featuring in the club's first UEFA Youth League campaign, scoring two goals in six Group F matches.
The Cork-born defender, a representative of Republic of Ireland at under-19 level, told nufc.co.uk: "I settled in straightaway and everyone made me feel at home. When I first joined the club, I was a bit nervous but the players and coaches have helped it become my favourite place to be. The city is just brilliant and everyone is so friendly which helps a lot when you're playing football.
"Everyone tries to help you here and I've had lots of that from the staff. I think the quality of training and the amount has helped me become a better player than I was before I came to Newcastle.
"Being captain of the under-21s has been brilliant. I'm happy the coaches and manager trust me in wearing the armband and it's an honour to lead the lads out. Hopefully, I can keep doing that for longer."
Newcastle's yougnsters can move within two points of the top 16 spots in the division with maximum points against Liverpool, who currently occupy fifth spot in the 26-team table.
Newcastle's previous fixture saw the young Magpies come from behind to claim a 2-1 away win against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Cup and Heffernan, who made his senior debut at the age of 16 for Cork City, is keen for his side to replicate a similar result ahead of facing the Reds.
The 18-year-old centre-back added: "Everyone feels a lot fresher because we had a lot of games in the last two weeks and we are fully prepared for this weekend's match against Liverpool because it's a big game.
"They're a big team and have good quality players so it's about bringing the best of what our team can. If we give our best account of ourselves, I don't see why we can't pick up a positive result.
"You always want to be winning games and the more games you win, the more confidence it brings throughout the team and everyone wants to continue that.
"The goal is getting into the top 16 and with our home advantage on Saturday, we can bring a big performance and make it as difficult for our opponents."
Admission for Newcastle United Under-21s' Premier League 2 fixture against Liverpool on Saturday, 17th February at Whitley Park is free for season ticket holders, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.