United’s under-19s almost completed an incredible comeback in their UEFA Youth League bow
Anthony Munda of Newcastle United U19s runs with the ball under pressure from Pedro Villar of FC Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United prospect Kacey Wooster expressed mixed emotions after he found the net in the Magpies’ Under-19s 3-2 UEFA Youth League defeat against reigning champions Barcelona.
On a blustery afternoon at Whitley Park, the Magpies’ youngsters found themselves second best during a first-half dominated by their Catalan counterparts as some prolific finishing appeared to have taken the visitors out of sight by half-time.
Midfielder Xavi Espart, who had trained alongside Barca’s first-team squad in the days before the game, fired his side in front midway through the first half and striker Oscar Gistau hit an impressive double just before the break.
Far from being disheartened, Adam Lawrence’s Newcastle side actually enjoyed the better of the exchanges after the restart and got themselves back into the game when Leo Shahar found the net with a powerful low drive.
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Wooster was introduced into the action with around 20 minutes remaining and the former Southend United forward made an impact when he produced a neat touch and finish to increase hopes of a comeback with six minutes left on the clock.
An equaliser evaded United’s youngsters despite Sean Neave going close in the final stages and that left Wooster to contemplate a day of mixed feelings for him and his side.
He told Chronicle Live: “It’s a proud moment, a bit surreal, but it’s unfortunate with the result.
“We have to put things right in the next game. (Lawrence) just said to be myself, that’s what you’ve got to do really. You’re there for a reason, you’re in the squad for a reason and to be myself, play my own game and everything will sort itself out.
“It was a good experience, they were tough to play against but it’s best to come up against the best and test yourself.”
Wooster will now hope to build on his goal against the Barcelona youngsters and make himself a permanent fixture in Lawrence’s Under-19s side over the coming weeks and months.
The talented forward moved to Tyneside during the summer of 2023 and has featured heavily for the club’s Under-18s throughout that time. However, he revealed it is the step up to the second string that is now in his sights.
“It’s good, everything is good and I can’t complain,” he explained.
“I’m settling in, I can’t complain. I’m progressing nicely, getting in and around the Under-21s and I just want to keep my head down and keep doing what I’m doing. That has got to be the aim, you’ve got to reach high and I think that’s the best thing to do.”
The Magpies Under-21s are back in action on Monday night when they return to Premier League 2 action with a home game against Norwich City.
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