Harrison relishing Premier League 2 opener against Sunderland ...

The young Magpies host their Black Cats counterparts, who reached last season's Premier League 2 play-off final, on Monday, 19th August at Whitley Park (kick-off 7pm BST) in their first of 20 Matchweeks, with the top 16 teams in the division qualifying for a single elimination play-off at the end of the season.

Harrison, who joined the Magpies from Manchester City in February 2024, is looking forward to returning to competitive action and admitted the squad are fully determined to prevail against their North East neighbours.

The 18-year-old midfielder told newcastleunited.com: "We're really excited to have our first game of the season and it's even better that it's against Sunderland. It's always good playing in a derby and it gives you that extra edge to try and win.

"We've been training for a bit now so it'll be good for us to get our first game underway and we'll be pushing for the win.

"You don't want to get beaten by your rivals and they'll have the same mentality but, if we do the right things, we should be able to win and get three points which would be a good start to the season.

"Everyone knows how big of a game it is, with a lot of the local lads in the team, who support Newcastle, really wanting to win."

The Keighley-born teenager made his full senior debut last weekend after featuring in Newcastle's 1-0 victory against Stade Brestois at St. James' Park in the Sela Cup.

Harrison, who made his senior bow during Newcastle's pre-season friendly victory against Hull City last month before featuring in friendly fixtures during United's pre-season tour of Japan, reflected positively on his maiden start at first-team level as well as his involvement with Eddie Howe's side in recent weeks.

The promising teenager added: "It's what a lot of kids dream of when they're younger and to get my first start was massive. Walking out in front of the home fans was a mad feeling.

"In Japan, there was a big fanbase out there which was good to play in front of but, at St. James', nothing compares to how passionate the home fans are.

"The experienced players help you out a lot on where to be and what time and they welcomed me into the group. I loved pre-season and going away with the first-team is what everyone aspires to do on at the start of the season so I was privileged to get the chance to do it.

"It gives you that bit of exposure and it gives you more inspiration to push on to try and stay there as much as you can."

Admission for Monday's Premier League 2 visit of Sunderland on Monday, 19th August is free for season ticket holders, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.

The Tyne-Wear derby will also be available to watch live, for free, on the new Official Newcastle United App.