Freddie Woodman says he’s sees a clear path forward at Newcastle United – but he must first leave the club on loan.
Woodman signed a new long-term deal at St James’s Park in the summer.
And the teenager believes he can emulate the likes of Tim Krul and Steve Harper being go all the way through the ranks at the club.
However, Woodman – who kept a clean sheet on his England Under-21 debut this month – feels he must first get more first-team games under his belt away from Newcastle.
And the goalkeeper, farmed out to Crawley Town last season, is likely to be loaned out in January by United manager Rafa Benitez.
“I know my situation now,” said Woodman, who has Karl Darlow and Matz Sels ahead of him at St James’s Park.
It’s a case of me preparing myself and getting as much game time as I can. Come January, hopefully I can go out on loan and get some games under my belt.
Freddie Woodman
“It’s a case of me preparing myself and getting as much game time as I can. Come January, hopefully I can go out on loan and get some games under my belt.
“You never know what could happen. I’m ready if Matz or Karl have a problem.
“I’ve been ready for the past two seasons. I’m playing Under-23s games and keeping match fit.
“I’m training with the first team. Like I’ve always said, it’s a case of keeping improving and waiting for my chance.”
Woodman, 19, signed his new contract in August amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
“I wasn’t sure what was happening with my future, but I’ve committed to Newcastle now,” said Woodman. “I can see a plan and progress. I’ve just got to keep working hard.
“There are keepers who have come all the way through. I wanted to take that path.”
Meanwhile, Woodman made his first Under-21 appearance in last week’s 1-0 win over Kazakhstan in Aktobe.
“It was a fantastic night for me – it’s what I’ve wanted since I started my first game for the Under-16s,” said Woodman. “So it’s a great moment and to play in front of the back four that I did. I was privileged. I didn’t have a lot to do, but it was good to play in front of those sort of players.”