Yarney hoping for fast-start to Newcastle United career

New signing Josef Yarney is hoping to replicate the success of fellow defender Stuart Findlay with a first-team start in his first season at Newcastle United.

Findlay joined the Magpies from Celtic last summer before making his debut against Birmingham City in the FA Cup in January.

Yarney, 20, has agreed to move to St James’ Park having been a triallist with the Under-23s in April and came on as a substitute in a 2-0 win against Middlesbrough.

Now the former Everton defender is targeting a breakthrough year in the Premier League

“It’s a great incentive. To make your debut within six months – it’s something to look towards,” he said.

“We’ll see what happens – I’m going to work hard, and we’ll see where that takes me.

(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

“I came up in mid-April and had a look at the club. I did a bit of training, played in the Boro game, and it felt good. Two months down the line, I’ve signed, and I’m looking forward to getting going.

“I had a couple of other offers, but nothing compared to this one – it’s the club, really, that made me come here.

“It’s a great club – a massive club – and they’re back in the Premier League, which was a brilliant thing to achieve.”