19-year-old Newcastle star names unlikely player that took him under his wing in training

Young Newcastle United star Ben Parkinson said that senior toon player Matt Ritchie took him under his wing when he first joined Eddie Howe's training squad.

Parkinson scored the opening goal in Newcastle under-21's 2-1 Northumberland Senior Cup final win against Blyth Town on Tuesday night, capping off an unforgettable season for the 19-year-old.

Parkinson made his senior debut for the Magpies in November 2023 in a 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth.

He also made the bench for two of Newcastle's UEFA Champions League games away at Borussia Dortmund and PSG.

Ritchie, now 34 and out of contract in summer has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, all coming from the bench.

Image: Harriet Massey, Getty.

Ben Parkinson: Matt Ritchie made me feel comfortable in Newcastle training

On the players in first-team training, Parkinson said: "(The players) are all top, professionals, even some of those who don't play regularly.

"The likes of Matt Ritchie have been unbelievable with me, putting his arm around me when I first came over, making me feel comfortable, introducing me to the lads and then as I've built up the trust I've got more of a relationship with the senior guys and the internationals.

"I think it has been really positive for me, it's such a big thing."

Eddie Howe's intensity in training

Parkinson admitted he now trained "four or five times a week" with the first-team. The expectation is that he will travel with the squad to Australia and Japan for both pre-season tours.

On Eddie Howe, Parkinson said: "He's so intense, he puts pressure on everyone all day, every day.

"I think that's perfect for where we are as a club trying to push for more, stay hungry

"I think he's the perfect guy."