The next 'challenge' for rising Newcastle United star Joe White is to find a 'good level' of consistency. That is the view of U21s boss Elliott Dickman, who was speaking after the midfielder netted a sensational winner in the victory over Southampton.
The young Magpies managed to extend their unbeaten Premier League 2 run to five matches by coming behind to beat the Saints at Whitley Park on Sunday. The enthralling contest was level until the final 10 minutes, when a stunning free-kick from White sealed the 3-2 win.
Footage of the winning goal was shared by the playmaker on social media, with more than a thousand supporters praising the 20-year-old for the long-range strike. White has now netted in two consecutive Premier League 2 appearances, and was pictured in first-team training ahead of the clash with Aston Villa.
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The attacking midfielder signed a three-year deal while on loan with Hartlepool United, but injury derailed his start to the latest campaign. White has not been shy in outlining his desire for first-team football - be it with Eddie Howe's side or on loan elsewhere - and Dickman has laid out the 'challenge' now facing the goalscorer.
The U21s boss told ChronicleLive: "It's like any young player, there's areas of the game they do need to develop. Not just Joe, every single one of them here today have areas they need to improve and we'll work hard to do that.
"I think he's well past his injury now, he's started seven games in a row and the thing for him now is to try and get a level of consistency into his game. He's fit, and the challenge for him now is to maintain a really good level of consistency in his performance."
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