Heffernan targeting fantastic four ahead of Palace visit | OneFootball

The young Magpies currently occupy 11th place in the 26-team division, five points adrift of third place, and head into the league clash against their Eagles counterparts in positive form after wins against Leeds United, Tamworth and Alnwick Town in the Premier League 2, National League Cup and Northumberland Senior Cup respectively.

Heffernan, who joined United in the summer of 2023 following his departure from AC Milan, is relishing a return to league action and aiming to build on their encouraging run of late.

The teenage centre-back, who has represented Republic of Ireland at under-19 level, told newcastleunited.com: "We've been without a league game for a while so I think everybody's looking forward to it. You want to be playing games and we've had a few cup games in between but we'll be hoping to get back and carry on our form in the league at the moment.

"Palace are currently ahead of us so we'll be seeing if we can try and pass them in the table. Training has been at a high standard, everybody wants to fight for their place in the team and, hopefully, we can pick up three points and kick on.

"There is a lot of quality and nobody has their name in the team sheet every week. Everyone is kept on their toes and Diarmuid always has a big emphasis on training, making sure we train at 100 per cent otherwise you won't play."

After the opening eight league fixtures, only Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest have conceded fewer goals than Newcastle's second-string so far this season (8), with United's youngsters also netting eight times in their last four outings.

Heffernan, who has started seven of United's eight Premier League 2 matches, has been encouraged by the defensive displays and is hopeful the squad can continue their success in front of goal.

"I take a lot of pride in that," the Cork-born defender added. "There's nothing better, as a defender, than not conceding as you don't usually score that much or I don't anyway.

"It's not only myself but the back four and everyone who plays. We should proud of that but also try to keep going and keep as many clean sheets as we can.

"The stats may show we're not creating or scoring enough in the league but I think we are getting better and just need to continue that. I think, with the quality in the group, more goals will come and it will hopefully build on from there."

Admission for Newcastle United Under-21s' Premier League 2 visit of Crystal Palace is free for season ticket holders, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.

Please note the league clash will not be streamed on the Official Newcastle United App due to Brighton & Hove Albion's Premier League visit of Southampton on Friday night.