Threlfall keen to impress

Last updated : 28 July 2007 By Al Campbell
The two time FA Youth Cup winner has travelled with the first team squad to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy and was given a run out against South China FC in the second half. The call up was a suprise to the young defender who hopes he has impressed Rafa Benitez with his displays.

"It was a good experience to get a run-out alongside the first-team players," said Threlfall.

"I only found out last Thursday morning that I'd be travelling so it was quite late notice and a bit of a surprise.

"The manager has just told me to go out and enjoy myself and said a few words tactically. The rest of the lads have been great and have helped me settle in.

"It's not often a young player like myself gets this kind of opportunity, so I'm hoping to just get my head down, work hard to impress and hope the manager gives me another chance."