Former Newcastle United youngster Michael Newberry is targeting international recognition after securing a move to Northern Ireland Football League champions Linfield.
The defender joined the Magpies at the age of 11 and made his way through the club’s academy sides before he was released alongside Massadio Haidara and Curtis Good in the summer of 2018.
That blow came just two years after the Northern Ireland under-19 international had followed in the footsteps of the likes of Andy Carroll and Adam Armstrong by landing the annual Wor Jackie Award that is presented to the club’s brightest academy talent at the end of each season.
Newberry joined Icelandic side UMF Víkingur Ólafsvík in the aftermath of his departure from Newcastle and quickly settled into life in Scandinavia with a string of impressive performances for his new club.
His form over the last two seasons has attracted the interest of a number of clubs in mainland Europe and at least two Eredivisie clubs were believed to be keen to take him to the Netherlands.
However, Newberry will now move back to his homeland after penning an 18-month deal to link up with a Linfield side managed by former Sunderland and Northern Ireland striker David Healy.
The Blues currently sit four points clear at the top of the NIFL Premiership table and look well placed to hold on to the title they claimed last season.
Newberry is keen to catch the eye of Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough by helping the Belfast-based club to more success during his time at Windsor Park.
He told The Chronicle: “I am delighted with the move to such a historic club and to be working again with David Healy, who was my coach during my Northern Ireland youth days.
“Obviously, I moved abroad to get first-team minutes and with over 65 professional games, there's no doubt that it has helped me develop my footballing knowledge and raised my profile.
“I have set targets for my future, firstly to get in the side, winning the league with Linfield and playing European football have to be the priorities.
“However, I would never rule out pushing for a full International cap, it’s down to me now.”
