Shahar relishing Tyne-Tees tussle | OneFootball

Teenage defender Leo Shahar is hopeful Newcastle United Under-21s can come out on top in Friday's Tyne-Tees derby against Middlesbrough (kick-off 7pm GMT).

The young Magpies return to Premier League 2 action when facing their Boro counterparts at Heritage Park, home of Northern League Division One side Bishop Auckland, and target back-to-back away wins following a 2-1 comeback victory against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Cup on Monday evening.

Shahar, who joined Newcastle's youth set-up from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, is hopeful United's second-string can build on their positive display in Alfreton in order to advance up the league ladders.

The 16-year-old right-back, targeting a Premier League 2 debut, told nufc.co.uk: 'We fought for a good win on Monday after going one-nil down and I think the lads are very positive. There is a good feeling about Friday and our preparations have been strong.

'I thought we had good control of the game in the first half against Forest, hitting the post early on, but they managed to score from a set play which wasn't very encouraging but the half-time team talk was good and we managed to go out in the second half raring and ready to go and managed to get the win.

'Hopefully, it will start to give us a bit of momentum in the league. Any win, whatever the competition, gives you that going into the next game as a team.

'These are the matches you want to thrive in and everyone wants to play in these types of games. If you're ready and prepare properly, they're great to be involved in and the extra bit of tension creates a good atmosphere on the pitch.'

Since arriving on Tyneside in September, Shahar made his under-21s bow during Newcastle's EFL Trophy clash against League Two side Crewe Alexandra in November as well as featuring for the Magpies' under-19 side in the club's maiden UEFA Youth League campaign.

A representative of England at under-17 level, the highly-rated youngster gave a positive reflection on his 2023/24 campaign to date and believes he is only benefiting from his involvement at second-string level.

'I'm really enjoying it,' the teenage defender added. 'After playing with the under-21s, I feel I am building confidence from every game which has allowed me to do what I can do best.

'I'm always trying to improve on my physicality because they're older and stronger players at that level so that's where the mental side of your game comes in and you have to be a lot smarter than at under-18 level and make you adapt to it as best as possible.

'I've enjoyed this season so far. I've settled into the club quite quickly and went into UEFA Youth League games which boosts your confidence in playing at a high level.'