Can this young player become the right-back Newcastle have long needed?

Jamie Sterry is desperate to play his part in the Championship with Newcastle United.
Jamie SterryJamie Sterry
Jamie Sterry

The defender made his debut in the relegated club’s season-ending win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Sterry came off the bench late in Sunday’s 5-1 win at St James’s Park.

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The 20-year-old wasn’t allowed to leave on loan to gain first-team experience during the season because Newcastle were short of defensive cover in the full-back positions.

And Sterry, rather than go on loan next term, hopes to “push on” at United in English football’s second tier.

“I would hope to be here,” said Newcastle-born Sterry.

“I think I’ll be staying. I had a good chat about that.

“Hopefully, I’ll get a good chance next year and play a few games and push on.”

Sterry was named on the bench after Vurnon Anita was ruled out of the Tottenham game, and he replaced captain Moussa Sissoko for the final few minutes.

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The right-back – who overcame a series of injuries to earn a professional deal last year – has told of his emotions at making his debut for the club he has supported all his life.

“I found out about an hour and a half before the game that I was on the bench,” said Sterry.

“I was really happy that I was on the bench. I’ve been on the bench a few times this season.

“I had some long warm ups. I got told to warm up a few times, and when I came back he said to get stripped.

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“I was just buzzing to get on the pitch. We were 3-1 up, so there wasn’t really much pressure.

“I just wanted to get on the pitch.”

Sterry became the 1,077th player to represent Newcastle – and 20th in the Premier League – when he made his debut, and his “proud” parents, Lee and Katrina, were at St James’s Park to see him achieve his boyhood dream in front of a sold-out home crowd.

“It’s a really proud day for me,” said the tough-tackling player.

“I’ve worked hard all season to get on, and all the hard work has paid off.

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“It was an unbelievable experience. I’m so happy to have played, especially in front of 52,000, which is crazy to think about.

“Hopefully, that gives me a good chance of pushing on and playing some games next season.”