The progress of Magpies youngster Michael Mills has caused enthusiasm around the United academy setup in recent months - and there was another landmark moment for the highly-rated winger over the last week.

A regular in the Magpies Under-18s side, the former Port Vale prospect made his first appearance for Robbie Stockdale’s Under-21s last month in a 4-3 win at Aston Villa and grabbed his first goal for the second string in a 3-0 home win against Fulham two weeks later.

Mills’ progress also ensured he has stepped up in the England youth ranks after he earned a maiden call-up to the Three Lions Under-17s squad recently.

The 17-year-old was named in the starting eleven alongside United goalkeeper Roman Dowell for a 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands last week before making a substitute appearance in a 3-1 defeat against Israel on Saturday.

Mills and Dowell were both named as substitutes for Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Estonia and they remained on the bench throughout the game.

Both players will now...