Manchester United youngster Charlie McNeill is currently out on loan at League Two side Newport County.
The 19-year-old striker scored his first goal for the club earlier this month and is hoping to finish the season strongly.
He has been speaking to the South Wales Argus about his time out on loan and believes he is fortunate to get the opportunity.
This time last year he was playing in the FA Youth Cup and believes he is ahead of schedule to be getting loan experience already.
McNeill comments on his loan spell
Charlie McNeill explained that he is glad to be getting the chance to test himself in ‘men’s football’ at a high level.
He explained: “I am really grateful for this because a lot of players don’t get to go out on loan until a couple of years down the line.”
His United academy teammate Zidane Iqbal is a case in point. Despite impressive progress, the 19-year-old is still waiting for his first loan spell.
McNeill does admit that he feels the pressure, which comes courtesy of having a big reputation at youth level, and arriving on loan with the status of a Manchester United player.
For a striker especially, who are judged on goals by many, McNeill is relieved to have got off the mark
He added: “I personally think United is the biggest club in the world so if you go out on loan you’ve always got eye on you and people are expecting big things.
“That can be tough because people expect a lot of me but it’s my first loan. I do want to show what I am about as well because I know I am a good player.”
McNeill made his Manchester United first team debut in September as a late substitute against Real Sociedad.
He may have another chance to impress in pre-season, but for now, his task will be on trying to help Newport improve their position at 18th in the table.
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