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The Norwegian was to be found on the substitutes’ bench for Newcastle when “The Magpies” beat Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday night.
– I have trained a lot with the first team recently, so I had a feeling that it could happen. When the message first came it was incredibly funny, says Hernes on the phone from England to Nettavisen.
The 18-year-old, who is a robust box-to-box midfielder, grew up in Hønefoss, but left for England as a 15-year-old. The choice to move to the ball island was based on the fact that several family members live in the country, while at the same time he felt that the English football culture suited him well.
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Three years later, he is sitting in the same dressing room with world-class players such as Bruno Guimarães, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali.
– It’s insanely strange. Just four years ago I was playing with Tonali on career mode on Fifa, sort of. Now I share a wardrobe with him. It’s quite sick to be so close to such big stars, says Hernes.
Draws out two players
The Norwegian-Jamaican, who has two U17 caps for Norway, signed for Newcastle last summer. Before that time he was on trial in Wolverhampton, but did not get a contract. Instead, he signed for League One club Shrewsbury Town.
Follow the match between Newcastle and Aston Villa from 9.15pm on Tuesday
There he played his first matches at senior level, and impressed so much that Newcastle picked him up.
Hernes singles out veterans Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles when Nettavisen asks which players have helped him settle into the playing group.
He is also full of praise for coach Eddie Howe.
– When you are around him every day, you really get to see what kind of qualities he has as a coach. He is good at giving young players a chance. His support staff are also very good when it comes to developing young players, he says.
Hoping for a Premier League debut this year
Despite the fact that there were no minutes on the pitch against Fulham, he has faith that his debut in Newcastle will come before too long.
– The goal for 2024 is to make the Premier League debut, concludes Hernes.
Newcastle meet Aston Villa on Tuesday evening in the series. Blackburn awaits in the next round of the FA Cup.