Newcastle United youngster Ben Parkinson may have just turned 18-years-old but he's impressed after stepping up to the Under-21s. The young striker was one of the standout performers for Ben Dawson's Under-21s in their goalless draw with Middlesbrough in the Tyne-Tees derby last weekend.
Parkinson has scored ten goals in 20 appearances for the young Magpies across a number of age groups with two assists in the Under-18 Premier League. Combative and agile, the young forward caused Middlesbrough problems last week and he's already impressed Dawson with his performances in Premier League 2 Division 2.
The youngster has trained with Eddie Howe's first team on a handful of occasions and he's hoping to follow the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sean Longstaff in making the step up to the senior side.
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"The ultimate goal is to end up in the first-team and follow the likes of Elliot Anderson," Parkinson told Chronicle Live. "That would be the long-term goal but I've got to keep plugging away, starting from where I am now.
"The few times I've been up, a few of the lads have put their arm around me and gave me some advice. Made me feel really welcome, Matt Ritchie, Elliot Anderson especially. Those sort of lads put their arm around me made me feel really comfortable.
"Growing up as a Newcastle fan, you watch these players and you're now in and around training with, hopefully playing with them in the future on the tele. It's always a surreal experience no matter how good you are, you're always in awe of the players, but you need to put that on the back foot and go along with your game and be confident in yourself."
Parkinson certainly wasn't lacking in confidence despite coming up against a Middlesbrough side that will finish above their North East Rivals in Premier League 2 Division 2. Not phased by coming up against older and more developed players, the youngster was involved in an off the ball incident with his opponent and showed a bite to his game.
"I enjoy it," he said when asked about the physical side of the game. "I like to put pressure on myself. I perform the best when I'm under pressure when I'm having a battle with someone and it's something I enjoy - a bit of competition.
"I thought we did start the game a little bit nervy but that's the occasion playing at St. James' Park for the first time in a long time. The lads grew into the game, me especially and we got going. I thought overall we played well.
"I though we defended really well, every game starts from the back and it's one of our first clean sheets in a long time. That's something we need to build on from now on. I thought we created a lot of chances.
"That's up to me and the rest of the attackers to put those chances away but overall I thought it was quite a positive game and there are a lot of positives to take from it."
"It's a lot more physical," Parkinson added when asked about the step up to U21s football. "You're playing against bigger, more developed men. As I said, I enjoy competition and it's something that I relish. I'd like to think I perform under pressure so I feel it was right to move up and step up.
"I feel like I've taken that challenge head on and I think I've been performing well. I'm quite confident in my ability.
Parkinson started out centrally but moved out to the right-flank as Newcastle pressed for a winner. He said: "As an attacker in the modern game you need to be diverse, play left, right and through the middle and it's something that I back myself with.
"I like to get the ball and drive at players but I also like to be in the box and finishing off the chances as well."
The young magpies striker was unable to find a winner in the derby but playing at St. James' Park was still a surreal moment. Parkinson said: "It's not the first time but it's always surreal. Every time you walk out it's like you're living a dream. Especially being a Newcastle fan from since I was born.
"It's a dream to step out onto the pitch no matter what level."
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