Didn't know it was ever in doubt (gulp)
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A "relieved" Newcastle United have finally tied up the signing of top Geordie prospect Michael Chopra. The 16-year-old jetted out to Israel today to play for England in a junior mini-World Cup having signed YTS trainee forms. And this means Chopra, who will become a full-time professional when he is 17 in January, cannot be lured away by any other club. United are delighted to have got Chopra all signed and sealed after Darren Fletcher, who is recognised as the top player in Scotland, opted for Manchester United a couple of months ago. Relieved Alan Irvine, who does such a great job as Director of United's Junior Academy, told me today: "We did not actually lose Fletcher because we never had him. "It's just he chose Manchester United instead of us. But we are relieved we have Michael signed up. "To be fair Michael's circumstances are a lot different to those of Fletcher. He is a local boy who supports Newcastle United. "And you have to look no further than Alan Shearer to see what it means to a Geordie to wear the black and white shirt of Newcastle United." United think so highly of Chopra he was on the bench for the first time for the reserves in last night's 3-0 defeat by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. However there is no chance of Bobby Robson or Irvine rushing Chopra who has just played six games for the England Under-16 side - and scored five goals. Adds Irvine: "Michael has been involved in our Under-17 team for most of this season and that's where he will start next season. "He's a good player. But just as important he's an intelligent lad who is a good listener. "He accepts he still has a lot to learn and taking everything into consideration he's got a good chance of making it." Chopra is likely to come up against another United youngster Stephen Brennan when England play the Republic of Ireland in Israel. The competition is being featured on British EuroSport at 9.00 most mornings next week.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2000

Answers

Pretty good news I'd say.......at least by stopping him slipping through the net, we've guaranteed we wont be doing a Shearer with this young lad!!!

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2000

Yeah, unfortunately we missed on Michael Carrick who went to WHam and Michael Bridges who started at the Mackems and is now one of the GBH boys at Leeds.

Oh and they play in two of the positions we really need some cover, LW & ST.

And what's with all young Geordies being named Michael, and a few years ago it must have been Stephen or Steven.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2000

Tre,

Unusual obversation...I hadn't even thought about it before!!...I've got 3 Michaels in my immediate family (one is my son!) :))

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2000