Newcastle United youngster Jay Turner-Cooke feels his loan move to St Johnstone is the ‘perfect step’ to help develop his career. The 19-year-old midfielder has joined the Scottish Premiership side until the end of the season, and could be in line for debut in Saturday’s clash with Celtic at Parkhead.
Turner-Cooke featured in Newcastle’s pre-season campaign and, playing against both Chelsea and Brighton in the Premier League Cup in the United States. And following a loan move with Tranmere Rovers last season, he is ready to make an impact north of the border.
“I’m buzzing to get the deal done as quickly as it has been,” he said. “It means I can settle in this week with the lads and prepare for a huge game on Saturday.
“St Johnstone is a big club playing in a big league, I feel like this is the perfect step for my career to progress. I am looking forward to working hard to ensure that happens
“I have watched some Scottish football but not loads of it, so I will be learning along the way. I do know how hard a test matches against Celtic and Rangers are, we will be working hard this week to prepare for it.
“I came on for Newcastle against Chelsea in pre-season this summer in front of 70,000 fans, so I will be using that experience for Saturday’s trip to Celtic. I am here to get my head down, work hard and hopefully play as many games as possible. I know I will need to fight for my place but healthy competition can only make you a better player.
“I like to get on the ball and make things happen. I will be looking to get a lot of assists this year and also chip in with a few goals along the way. I prefer to play in a number 8 role or as a 10
REAL NEXT:
The next five days could make or break Celtic’s season as Brendan Rodgers desperately seeks to improve his underperforming squad.
The Scottish champions have drawn blanks in their last two games, crashing out of the Viaplay Cup to Kilmarnock before slumping to a dismal goalless draw at home to St Johnstone. It’s not that start Rodgers would have envisioned when he replaced Ange Postecoglou in the hotseat and the Northern Irishman is already feeling the heat from a growing number of disgruntled fans.
The Hoops are expected to splash the cash before Friday’s transfer deadline, with Luis Palma on the verge of completing his £3.5million move. But having already made six summer signings, Celts are in danger of stockpiling players to an already heavily bloated squad – which has been ravaged by injuries. The Parkhead hierarchy will be
keen to balance the books by offloading a number of fringe players and here, Football Scotland looks at eight potential departures
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