AIDAN Harris has revealed he is ready for senior men’s football after signing for the Bannsiders on loan…
The 18-year-old will spend the next few months at The Showgrounds after an agreement was struck with Newcastle United.
Harris has been at St James’ Park since 2017 and has featured for the first-team, as well being involved in the matchday squad for the Champions League.
However, he has now crossed the Irish Sea as the Stripes start their Premiership campaign with the visit of Larne this afternoon.
Harris said: “I’ve been really excited to try and come over here.
“I’m quite settled now and I’m getting my car on Wednesday, so I’ll be perfect now.
“It’s a big change obviously moving from England to here.
“However, it’s not too different in terms of the type of days we have, coming for breakfast and stuff like that – so I’ve fitted in quite well.
“I’ve been at Newcastle for about seven or eight years now.
“It’s been brilliant, I’ve had chances to be with the first team when I was on the bench against Milan in the Champions League.
“I then made my debut out in Australia for the first-team against the A-League All-Stars.
“I was playing U18-21s football quite young, so I’m pretty mature for my age.
“It’s a big step up playing men’s football…but I feel like I’m ready for it.”
Like every young player, Harris remarked how he has looked up to the likes of Newcastle stoppers Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka in recent years.
The latter has just agreed a move to Burnley for an undisclosed fee with England international Aaron Ramsdale making the switch to the Carabao Cup holders.
“Martin’s gone now and Aaron has just come in,” he added.
“It’s brilliant as you learn so much from watching them.
“You don’t really have to talk to them and ask them questions, but I do, obviously, to find out deeper into stuff.
“I feel like they’ve helped me a lot. Martin always took me under his wing and spoke to me and tried to coach me whilst I was training up there.”
So, what does Aidan know about the Irish League?
He replied: I know the league’s really competitive with 12 teams in it.
“I know there’s a couple of teams, like Larne who we are playing on Sunday, who are quite competitive.
“There’s a few derbies, which I’m really looking forward to. I love playing in big games and trying to shine.
“I’m really looking forward to starting in the Irish League.”