Hernes hopeful of EFL Trophy progression | OneFootball

The young Magpies face the newly-promoted League One outfit, who currently occupy fourth place in the English third tier, at the One Call Stadium and must require a win in order to keep their hopes of advancing into the Round of 32 for the first time since 2018 alive.

Currently situated two points behind Bradford, Hernes is relishing the challenge ahead and going head-to-head with Nigel Clough's Stags, who are unable to qualify into the knockout stages following two defeats.

Hernes, a representative of Norway at under-20 level, told newcastleunited.com: "We're really looking forward to it. It's good to play against seasoned professionals who had been in the same position as we are now and we're excited to come up against those who are playing in the professional leagues.

"It's a good comparison to see if you could compete in the EFL for a League One, League Two or even Championship team and it's a great opportunity to know where you're at.

"It would be amazing to go through to the next round as I don't think we've reached the knockout stages of the tournament for a number of years. It's been a long time since we did and it would shine a good light on the Academy and the levels we are at. We'll be trying to win the game and, hopefully, we can go through."

Hernes made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy for Shrewsbury Town as a 16-year-old, scoring in a 2-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers under-21s, before joining the Magpies in September 2023 and is keen to gain more experience against senior opposition in the fledgling stages of his career.

The highly-rated central midfielder, who made his United first-team bow during a post-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in May, added: "Premier League 2 games are good but when you play against EFL teams, you really feel this is what football is about.

"You're facing players of different ages and who've gone through different systems, either coming up from non-league or dropping down from a Premier League club, so these are the types of games we want to play in.

"Going up against a team that's been promoted, they'll be a really good side no matter what division they're in. They have some momentum with them, being in the play-off spots of League One, so there's excitement from myself and the lads in playing against them. It'll be a strong test."

Notes

The One Call Stadium is a cashless stadium, which includes bar, kiosks, car parks, club shop and the ticket office.