Just how good is he? I've never seen him play, and can't remember Softie's last-season assessments. Should he be in the first team squad given our current striker dearth?

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2000

Answers

Dunx - the lad is very young (16-17??). Didn't he just score for the England U-17s? I don't think he ever played for the Resorves (despite what the programme said at Liverpool on Tuesday). Probably too young - but as the saying goes "You won't win anything with kids". I'd expect him to make the squad before the end of the season - maybe even get a kick towards the end of the season if we're not fighting a battle (UEFA or NW). As said by SO Else, YMO was pretty young when he broke on the scene. I seem to remember a few bairns just down the road from me starting when they were 16-17 (Best, Charlton etc).

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2000

If he's good enough he's old enough, early doors, it's a game of two halves......etc...etc.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2000

The Journal and Ronnie today carry the story that just yesterday he signed his first professional contract with the Toon - for three years. I believe he has just turned 17.

I just hope we don't put undue pressure on the kid. He hasn't even played for the Stiffs yet, and we want him in the 1st team squad. Forget him for now - let him learn his trade.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2000