"I'm in a good place", says Thompson after three-month lay-off | OneFootball

The young Magpies make the long trip to the South coast for their final first fixture of 2025 and target a fourth consecutive league win after successes against Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Chelsea respectively.

Thompson, who signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2023, is hopeful United's second-string can continue their bright form heading into the second-half of the 2024/25 Premier League 2 campaign.

The Blyth-born youngster, capable of playing as a centre-back or full-back, told newcastleunited.com: "The break has done us well. We had a few good games before it and we're really looking forward to finally playing a game and a competitive one too.

"Our group want to win every game. We're on a good run in the league at the moment but the question is 'can we keep it going?'. We've got a good squad and we really believe we can kick on and win more.

"It was a positive first-half of the season. I don't think we were really surprised about that because the set of lads this year have been brilliant, really gelling together. We've equalled our points tally already from last season but we want to gain more.

"The defensive form has been really encouraging as we build our style of play on, having a good defence, and it pushes the attackers on to try and do their job."

Thompson, who joined Newcastle's youth set-up at the age of 13, suffered an ATFL (ankle) injury during first-team training in October and expressed his delight on the prospect of returning to competitive action.

The 20-year-old, who made his under-21s debut in February 2023, added: "I've been on the grass for a month now so I feel like I'm in a good place to play.

"My total mood has changed from when I got injured as I was a low point, watching the lads go out to train. Now I'm involved again, my mood has improved.

"With the break for the under-21s, it's allowed me to get back up to full fitness and match speed so I'm really looking forward to being back on the pitch."