Michael Ndiweni was one of eight academy talents to sign their first professional contracts with Newcastle United this summer. It was a just reward for the boyhood Magpies fan on the back of his 'best season' for the club he joined at the age of 12.
The exciting striker scored 14 goals for Newcastle 's under-18s, and earned his first call-ups to train in front of Eddie Howe with the senior squad. This form also caught the attention of the Toon Army, with the former Newcastle City Juniors prospect admitting he was 'proud' to see fans talking about him on social media.
Yet the Magpies revival under Howe is something of a double-edged sword for those chasing their black-and-white dreams. The bar to make the grade at Newcastle has already been lifted, and Ndiweni is determined not to be one of the many youngsters who will unfortunately be 'left behind'.
