When it comes to depth, competition for places in the Newcastle squad is arguably the toughest it’s been in years.

Whether it’s trying to get a place in the packed heart of midfield, to vying with Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento at full-back, the burgeoning young talent breaking through the ranks at the moment is something to behold.

And it looks like Eddie Howe has pencilled in one particular Academy star to shine in the near future, having already featured in some senior matchday squads this season…

Sean Neave: One to watch?

Speaking to the media ahead of Monday night’s game against Leicester, the gaffer took the time to comment on Sean Neave’s development this season.

The 17-year-old has dazzled so far for our Under-18s and Under-21s. He started the season with seven goals in seven for our Under-18s then took that form straight to Premier League 2 football with our Under-21s, bagging four goals and two assists in four outings.

As a result, he’s been called up to Eddie Howe’s senior squads and was even an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup final last month.

With Callum Wilson likely departing the club this summer, an opportunity presents itself between now and the start of next season for Neave to break into Howe’s plans much like Lewis Miley has; although a loan move may be his next stp.

Howe: “He is a goalscorer”

Reflecting on Neave’s current performances in training with the senior squad, Howe praised the England U-18 international for his potency in front of goal.

“We have used him in various roles but what I will say is he is a goalscorer. We find in training and practice games he will pop up with a goal which is a great skill to have!”

And Howe’s words have the numbers to back him up: so far this season Neave is averaging a goal every 97 minutes played, with 11 to his name across all competitions.

Room to grow and finding his best position

Like any Under-18 player however, particularly one subject to Howe’s notoriously high expectations when it comes to his players, there are key elements to Neave’s game that the manager feels he can work on to achieve greater success.

“He’s doing very well. He’s very young and I need reminding of that sometimes because he is competing on an even field technically.”

“Physically, he has a lot of growth to come, he has to fill out his body. He has to become stronger. It is probably now about finding him a set position.”

The last line is interesting, as he’s clearly got an eye for goal, but his build is slight and he’s previously shown an ability to operate out wide or as an attacking midfielder.

Howe’s comments point similarly to the development of Lewis Miley from promising young star into a starting player in both the Premier League and Champions League.

When Miley returned from injury earlier this season, he was noticeably bulkier and more of a physical presence, and looked a much better player because of it.

Once Neave is able to meet the physical demands of top-level football, and under the watchful tutelage and management of Howe, then there really might be no telling just how high his ceiling is at the club.