Newcastle United’s youngsters were edged out by Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League on Thursday.
Kacey Wooster is targeting more minutes with Newcastle United’s under-21s after scoring against Barcelona.
Adam Lawrence led an under-19s outfit into the UEFA Youth League opener at Whitley Park hours ahead of the senior side’s 2-1 defeat.
The young Magpies were unfancied and heading for a hiding, with Barcelona boasting a three-goal advantage at half-time.
However, Newcastle struck back through Leo Shahar and Wooster to set up a grandstand finish. Sean Neave – a player who has been in and around Eddie Howe’s first team – came within inches of snatching a dramatic draw at the death.
‘Under-21s the aim’ – Kacey Wooster
Speaking to NewcastleWorld post-match, Wooster set his sights on more under-21s football. He has three goals in as many games for the under-18s and played 10 minutes for the under-21s against Chelsea last month.
“I’m progressing nicely, getting in around the under-21, so I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep doing what I’m doing,” Wooster said. “That’s got to be the aim. You’ve got to aim high.
No fear about Barcelona
It could have been easy for Newcastle to expect a hiding against one of the world’s best academies. However, young striker Wooster relished the challenge on home soil.
“(There was) no fear,” he added. “It was a good opportunity to showcase yourself against the best teams in Europe. It is a proud moment (scoring against Barcelona).
Adam just said, ‘Be yourself and that’s what you’ve got to do. You’re there for a reason, he said, you’re in the squad for a reason, so be yourself and play your game and everything sorts itself out’.
“(It was) a bit surreal, but unfortunate with the result. It’s best to come up against the best and test yourself. It is what it is. We’ve got to put things right next game.”
Kacey Wooster profile
Wooster has shown a ruthless streak in front of goal so far this season. On his playing style, he said: “I’m a good finisher and runs in behind, holds the ball. I feel like I can bring a lot, but I’ve just got to showcase that on a regular basis.”