Newcastle United youngster Rory Finneran is rapidly emerging as one to watch from the academy after being lauded by The Guardian as one of the best young talents in the Premier League. Finneran has been included in the outlet’s annual ‘next generation list’, which is designed to earmark the best youngsters at each top-flight club born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, an age band known as first-year scholars .

The 16-year-old, who was signed from Blackburn Rovers, has represented Republic of Ireland Under-17s on 10 occasions and currently captains the side. Guardian reporter Louise Taylor understands that a queue of clubs were interested in the player’s services but understands that the Magpies won the race.

Taylor describes the midfielder as having an ‘accomplished left foot – although he is also pretty good with his right.’ Finneran only turned 16 in February but has already made one first team appearance at senior level. This came at Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 when he appeared as a late substitute for Sammie Szmodics during a victory over Cambridge United in the FA Cup.

The youngster also made the bench against Newcastle but did not appear in the game his old club were defeated on penalties. Finneran posted on Instagram: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all the coaches, staff and my team-mates at Blackburn over the last 8 years at the club for supporting me and helping me develop.

“It has been an amazing journey, from signing at Under-8’s to making my first team debut, I have enjoyed every moment and wish the best for everyone at the club. I felt it was the time for a new challenge and I am very excited for the next step in my career.”