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Young Newcastle star looks to follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps

9 years ago
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Harry Kane is the inspiration for one young rising Newcastle star.

19 year old winger Alex Gilliead has just joined Carlisle United on his first loan move and he is looking forward to playing ‘men’s football’ at last.

Having already played for England at Under 20 level, Gilliead has played at a decent standard at international level but now feels he needs tp test himself at club level.

Gilliead points to the example of Harry Kane as a top top player, but one who still went out on loan to a number of clubs to progress his career.

Before establishing himself at White Hart Lane, Harry Kane progressed up through the leagues in a series of loans at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester.

Both Gilliead and fellow Newcastle loanee Macauley Gillesphey couldn’t have arrived at Carlisle at a better time.

This Saturday they will be hoping to get their first chance of ‘men’s football’ when Carlisle travel to York City for a League Two fixture but next Wednesday (23 September) both Newcastle United youngsters could be walking out at Anfield.

Newcastle have given permission for both players to play in the League Cup whilst on loan at Carlisle and they travel to play Liverpool on the same night as Newcastle face Sheffield Wednesday.

Alex Gilliead speaking to the official Carlisle United website:

“I knew Carlisle were playing well and my agent spoke to me after our game against Arsenal on Friday night. He said Carlisle wanted me and Macca (Macaulay Gillesphey) to come in. As soon as I heard that I just said let’s make it happen.”

Playing men’s football:

“I need to be out and playing men’s football now so it’s a great opportunity. When I first joined Newcastle from my boys club I was playing as a number 9, but as I’ve got older I’ve been pushed out wide. I can play on the left and the right. I’m more right footed so when I play on the left I can cut in, but I don’t mind going down the line as well.”

Interest from better clubs:

“I did have interest from higher clubs but the style of football Carlisle play was one of the big reasons I wanted to come here. Peter [Beardsley] told me they play an attacking formation and that he felt it would be a good move for me.”

The Harry Kane route:

“I think because of the way football is going at the moment young players are going to have to go out on loan to get experience. If you look at people like Harry Kane he’s been at six or seven clubs.”

Anfield here we come?:

“As soon as I knew Carlisle were interested I was more than happy to come here. As I say, Peter Beardsley said we should grab the opportunity and I’m glad we did. We could be playing at Anfield next week so what better experience could you ask for!”

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