Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is taking a close look at Ludwig Francillette after calling the centre-back up to the club's first-team training base.
The 20-year-old was in the FA Cup squad for Rochdale and is in contention for next week's replay at St James' Park.
The 6ft 4in defender, along with Lewis Cass and Elias Sorensen, is one of the latest Academy products to get close to a senior debut.
He said: "I've made the walk across to train with the first team.
"It's just great to learn and improve around such good players and great pros.
"I'll keep working hard to be called upon if and when needed in training."
Under-23 boss Ben Dawson said: "Looking back over the years a lot of debuts tend to come in League Cups and FA Cups.
"It's the time of year when it has been busy for the first team.
"The opportunities come up when you least expect it.
"If they do get a chance hopefully they do as well they can."
