Ireland Under-19 centre-half Cathal Heffernan will make his St James’ Park bow on Monday night when Newcastle United conclude their Premier League 2 campaign against Aston Villa.

The Toon Army’s second-string side play their home games between their Academy and Whitley Park, but Monday’s game has been switched to the 52,000 capacity stadium.

Heffernan, who turned 19 last weekend, has made a strong impression since his move from Serie A side AC Milan last summer and has been rewarded with the captaincy.

He said: “I don't know if I want to keep getting older! Turning 19 is good and although it would've been nice to score (against Stoke last Friday), hopefully I can score against Aston Villa on Monday.

“I actually can't wait as this is going to be my first time playing at St. James' Park. I don't know about the other lads but I'm definitely buzzing.

“Everyone will be looking forward to it as it's the first time we will be playing at the stadium this season so I think we're in for a big performance.”

Heffernan made his first-team debut for Cork City at the age of 16 and was quickly spotted by Serie A giants Milan, as well as rivals Juventus and Atalanta.

He moved to Italy in February 2022 after spells training with the three clubs, while he also caught the eye of Bundesliga giants - and 2023/24 champions - Bayer Leverkusen, and Swiss side FC Zurich.

“I wanted to sign for Milan because I felt really at home there,” he said at the time of his move to Serie A.

“After I went over the first time on trial a few of the lads kept in touch, texting on Instagram and stuff like that.

“Now that I’ve put stuff up on social media about the move, they have come back and said, ‘Welcome, can’t wait to see you’. It feels like it’s going to be easy for me to settle in.

“What I am really looking forward to is getting better as a player. That’s the one thing I am focusing on going over there.

“All I want to do is get better and keep improving myself, because there is always room for improvement. I just think that once I get over there, the only way is up for me.”

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