Cathal Heffernan sparked a comeback for Newcastle in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday, by scoring his first goal for the club.
The Cork teenager captained the Magpies under-19s as they took on Borussia Dortmund, just hours before the two clubs' senior sides faced each other in the Champions League.
As the Newcastle youngsters trailed 2-0 with twelve minutes to play, Heffernan headed his side back into the game before James Huntley equalised four minutes from time.
It was another sign of Heffernan's progress at St. James' Park, after joining from AC Milan in August and his father Rob was quick to congratulate the 18-year-old on the giant strides he has been making.
Rob Heffernan heaps praise on Cathal
Rob, himself an Olympic bronze medallist race walker took to X (formerly known as Twitter) after the game to share his pride and to fill his followers in on Cathal's progress.
"Training with the first team last week, captain of the youth league and 21 team and he just scored his first champions league goal (youth)," posted Heffernan Sr. "I am so proud of him as he works so hard and has a great attitude on top of talent."
Training with the first team last week , captain of the youth league and 21 team and he just scored his first champions league goal (youth) . I am so proud of him as he works so hard and has a great attitude on top of been talent . ❤️ https://t.co/tRvMQIBgwA
— Rob Heffernan OLY (@RM_Heffernan) November 7, 2023
Cathal Heffernan making strides at Newcastle
It looked for a time that Cathal would be breaking through at AC Milan, having spent 18 months with the Italian giants, but the decision to move back a little closer to home looks to have paid off.
Taking the captain's armband for the youth team is no mean feat, and the fact that he has trained with Eddie Howe's senior side is a sure sign that his talent is being recognised.
With an FA Cup campaign still to come, and Newcastle potentially dropping into the Europa League in the spring, there could be room on the bench for Heffernan, particularly if the club's defensive injury woes continue.
Given how the Ireland under-19 has done so far, you would expect to to grasp any opportunities that come his way.
📝 Here's how #NUFC's U19s line-up for this afternoon's @UEFAYouthLeague clash against Borussia Dortmund!
⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/us9denflOr— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 7, 2023
