Freddie Woodman has stated that he has the “right” to challenge for a first-team spot at Newcastle next season.
The 20-year-old recently helped the England Under-20s lift the World Cup when they beat Venezuela 1-0 earlier on this month.
The highly-rated goalkeeper saved a penalty during the second half of that contest as the Three Lions went on to win their biggest international trophy since 1966.
Woodman is yet to make a senior appearance for the Magpies and he was recently out on loan at Scottish side Kilmarnock.
However, after his success with his home country, Woodman cannot wait to make a return to Rafa Benitez’ side, who recently earned promotion to the Premier League.
“Now I want to go back to Newcastle and impress. I have a right to challenge,” Woodman told the Daily Mail. “That is being felt by all the squad… that they deserve to be in the Premier League.”
During his time with Kilmarnock, Woodman played 14 Scottish Premiership matches for his side, helping them secure four clean sheets.
As a result, his team secured a top-eight spot in the Scotland’s top tier and he will now be looking to make inroads in England’s top tier.
At this moment in time, Karl Darlow is the number one keeper at St James’ Park, with the 26-year-old playing 34 league matches for his side last term.
It is likely that the Northampton-born player will be starting between the stick when Benitez’ team make a return to the top tier in August against Tottenham.