Sean Neave, a promising young player for Newcastle, was awarded a Carabao Cup winner’s medal despite the fact that he has not yet made his debut with the first team.
On Sunday, the striker, who is only 17 years old, was not used as a substitute in the match against Liverpool that took place at Wembley Stadium.
A 2-1 victory for Eddie Howe’s team brought an end to their agonising wait for a major domestic trophy. The goals scored by Dan Burn and Alexander Isak were the decisive factors in the victory.
Since 1955, the club had not received any of this kind of trophies or awards until the triumph.
In recognition of his participation in the matchday squad, Neave was awarded a winner’s trophy during the presentation of the trophy.
After graduating from the academy, the player joined Newcastle from Wallsend Boys Club, the same youth team that was responsible for producing Alan Shearer.
As a result of Neave’s promotion to the Under-18 team, he has made 37 appearances and has scored 21 goals while also contributing seven assists.
As a result of his participation in the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy, he has also already scored three goals for the Under-21 team.
Even though Neave will not turn 18 until May, England awarded him two caps while he was still an Under-18 player in the previous year.
His first professional contract with the Toon Army was signed in the summer, and it was then that he was awarded his first international caps.
After penning his deal, the teenager told the club website: “I’m really happy about signing my first professional contract with the club.
“Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal.”
While Neave is working towards making his debut with the senior team, he has already participated in three matchday squads under Howe’s direction.
For the first time, he was selected to sit on the bench during the FA Cup match against Birmingham in February.
Howe included the young striker again for his side’s away win over West Ham last week ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
It is important to note that Neave was not the only notable medallist from Sunday’s victory.
Martin Dubravka picked up a medal without appearing in the final for the second time in two years.
The goalkeeper previously earned a winner’s medal for Manchester United in 2023 after they beat Newcastle at Wembley.
Dubravka had featured twice for the Red Devils earlier in the tournament before being recalled from his loan spell at Old Trafford.
Loris Karius made his debut in the match instead of him because of his appearances, which meant that he was cup-tied for the 2-0 loss.
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