Magpies academy keeper is relishing loan spell

NEWCASTLE United academy goalkeeper Tyler Jones has wasted little time in making the most of the first loan spell of his career.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

The 17-year-old stopper joined Northern Premier League East Division club Ashington on a short-term loan last week after the second-year scholar agreed to gain first experience of senior football with Nicky Gray's side.

Less than 24 hours after becoming a Collier, Jones made his debut as his temporary employers exited the FA Trophy with a 3-0 defeat at Garforth Town before returning to league action with a draw in Monday's Northumberland derby at Blyth Spartans.

Despite his tender years, Jones put in a composed performance at Croft Park as a last-gasp equaliser from Sam Davison cancelled out an opener from Spartans’ Gibraltar international defender Paddy McClafferty.

Jones is not the only Magpies academy goalkeeper spending time out on loan after Aidan Harris agreed to join Northern Irish club Coleraine until the turn of the year - and Jones believes their temporary moves away from Newcastle can benefit both players.