Goalscorer Parkinson 'buzzing to be back' after Middlesbrough win | OneFootball

Sean Neave's penalty sent the young Magpies ahead before the half-time whistle at Heritage Park before Parkinson, introduced from the substitutes' bench at the restart, scored within the opening two minutes of the second half as United's second-string recorded back-to-back league victories following last week's 4-1 win against Stoke City.

Parkinson, who had netted 11 goals across all competitions for United's youngsters before the turn of the new year, expressed his delight in returning to action after sustaining a foot injury on New Years' Day and is keen to kick on for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 20-year-old forward, who made his Premier League debut for his boyhood club away at AFC Bournemouth in November 2023, told newcastleunited.com: "It's a big night for the team. I think we needed a win after a tough period since January. We're trying to stay in the top 16 so it's a big three points and, on a personal note, I'm buzzing to be back and scoring.

"I was told before coming on to be myself, playing like I was before Christmas when I was scoring goals and playing with confidence. I think I've also took a lot of confidence from my rehab and although it came at an unfortunate time, it was possibly the right thing for me and I was trying to take the positives from that.

"It couldn't have come at a worse time. I did it on New Years' Day and the January transfer window was something I was looking forward to, trying to get out and play senior football but that didn't happen.

"I want to give thanks to the medical team, Carl (Nelson) and Andy (Campbell) who got me back to full fitness and I'm now looking forward to the rest of the season."

The young Magpies are in Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final action on Tuesday night, facing an away tie against Heaton Stannington as they bid to defend the trophy they lifted last term, beating Blyth Town 2-1 in the final at St. James' Park.

Parkinson, who joined United's youth set-up at the age of seven, is keen for the team to end the season in positive fashion and believes the squad are regaining their form displayed in the first half of the season, which saw Newcastle's youngsters win six of their opening ten league matches.

The Durham-born youngster added: "There's still a few games left and I want to try and score as many goals and play as well as I can. As a team, we've got to look towards the Senior Cup. It's a competition that Newcastle sides should and look to win every year.

"In the league, we're still fighting for the top 16 and that's somewhere we want to be, put the Academy in a good place play in the Premier League International Cup next season.

"I think the team is getting back to where it was before Christmas. Everyone is running for each other and that team ethic and togetherness is there so we're really looking to push on and finish as high as we can in the table."