Introducing Leo Shahar - the teenage defender on the bench for Bees clash | OneFootball

Shahar, who has captained England at under-18 level, joined Newcastle's Academy from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023 after a decade at his boyhood club before signing his first professional contract with the Magpies in May 2024.

The promising right-back, who celebrated his 18th birthday last month, will be aiming to make his professional bow for Eddie Howe's side this evening as well as Sean Neave, who is also named on the bench for tonight's clash against the Bees.

The versatile youngster, capable of playing in midfield, is hopeful of following in the footsteps of Magpies full-backs Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento.

Speaking after signing his maiden pro deal, Shahar told newcastleunited.com: “Seeing the likes of Trippier and Livramento playing well for the first-team makes me want to thrive and try to get into a similar position that they are in. The fans love those two and I want to push on to try and get into that spot. I’m going to work as hard as I can everyday on the training pitch to get to that spot.

“Signing my first professional contract is everything I have dreamt of since I was a kid. To get that opportunity at such a big club like Newcastle United is outstanding and I’m hoping to keep pushing on.

“I’ve been getting great opportunities with the under-21s this season as well as playing in the UEFA Youth League and representing England (at under-18 level) so I thought that was such a big reason in wanting to commit my future here."