Newcastle United U21 boss Elliott Dickman says the signing of Amadou Diallo was made to add to the competition among the club's rising stars. The Magpies confirmed the signing of the former West Ham winger earlier this month, with the 19-year-old agreeing a deal until the end of the season.
Diallo impressed on trial on Tyneside and appeared for Dickman's side in the away Premier League 2 draw at Middlesbrough. The teenager, who has represented England at under-15 and under-17 levels, made his most recent appearance from the bench in the U21s victory over Southampton at Whitley Park on Sunday.
Reflecting on the transfer, Dickman told ChronicleLive: "He'd been in with us training for a little while, he played a game too. There are areas of his game which we feel could help us, as a wide attacking player. That gives us an opportunity to strengthen the squad in some respects.
READ MORE: Former Newcastle talent with 'bags of potential' released by new club after just three months
"We want players to be competing for an opportunity to play, and I think Amadou coming in has brought that to the group and makes the wide players up their games. He's neat and tidy on the ball, he's got a real good football brain, he's quite quick. He's got qualities which will hopefully help us."
Diallo turned down offers to sign a youth contract and remain with the Hammers. However, after almost a decade in the capital, the winger was released this summer.
Newcastle's U21s have two more fixtures prior to the international break for the World Cup, including a derby clash with Sunderland U21s at St James' Park on Halloween. Diallo has already outlined his determination to impress at his new club, and he is one of several academy prospects bidding to earn another deal beyond this summer.
Dickman added: "A lot of players are in that position, so he's got a little bit of time to earn another opportunity. That will be down to him every day. We value what we do in training really highly, so it's not just in the games but every day.
"He's settled in the group really well, I think some of the lads have really warmed to him. The group have been smashing with him, and he's adapted to being in the North East quite well in such a short space of time."
READ NEXT
Newcastle loanee set for imminent exit as Magpies hold 'no interest' in transfer
Agent confirms Newcastle United's Eguinaldo interest as West Ham copy Magpies' Brazil approach
'Feet on the ground' - Callum Wilson's verdict on Newcastle United's rise under Eddie Howe
Joelinton offers insight into Newcastle United dressing room as European push continues
Startling possession stats and counter attacking change - Inside Newcastle United's flying start
