Newcastle United are currently flying high amid what has been a remarkable campaign thus far under manager Eddie Howe, although it does appear that the Magpies are looking beyond just short-term success, with a long-term project in mind.
A key emphasis for the Tynesiders appears to be nurturing and developing the club’s academy talent, with sporting director Dan Ashworth having revealed back in December that he is keen to ensure that there is a clear “pathway” into the first-team, while also stressing that he is “passionate” about giving an opportunity to up-and-coming stars.
One such youngster who is seemingly “highly rated” by the St James’ Park hierarchy – according to the Chronicle’s Ciaran Kelly – is 19-year-old ace, Michael Ndiweni, with the teenage striker having showcased his class in the youth ranks of late.
The “lethal” marksman, as described by Kelly, seemingly caught the eye of Howe and co as a result of his standout form last season, having scored 13 goals in just 18 games in all competitions, including three goals in only three FA Youth Cup appearances.
That sparkling run of form ensured that the “impressive” starlet – as lauded by journalist Matty Hewitt – has an overall tally of 18 goals in just 31 games at U18 level, having been unsurprisingly rewarded for that hot streak with his first professional deal during the summer.
Although by his own admission it has been a “disappointing” start to the current campaign, as he just two goals to his name in eight Premier League 2 appearances, Ndiweni’s previous brilliance should ensure that the northeast side won’t lose faith in him just yet.
The hope will be that the young Englishman can go on to emulate another striker to have risen through the club’s academy in the recent past in the form of Shola Ameobi, with the now-retired striker illustrating that there is a ‘pathway’ into the senior set-up.
The Nigerian-born ace progressed up the youth ranks at Newcastle before earning his first team debut in 2000, making the first of 398 appearances for the club across all fronts in a goalless draw with Chelsea.
While never a truly prolific figure, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse still managed to rack up 79 goals and 45 assists in all competitions over the next 14 years, memorably impressing on the European stage with Champions League goals against the likes of Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen.
The eight-cap maestro was also a reliable goalscoring presence in the Premier League in that time, notably notching nine top-flight goals during the 2005/06 season, having been lauded as “magnificent” by former boss Alan Pardew.
Although there may be scope for young Ndiweni to go on to enjoy a more fruitful spell at first-team level than Ameobi, the latter man’s longevity is a testament to his quality, with it no doubt a rarity for a youth product to be able to remain a firm fixture of the side for so long.
Local heroes have been few and far between for the Magpies in recent times, although the hope will be that Ndiweni can become the next breakout star