Newcastle United starlet Rolando Aarons burst onto the scene in some style this season and has now earned a place in the England U20 squad taking part in a tournament in Toulon.
The 19-year-old has spoken of his delight at being called up by Aidy Boothroyd and insists he can use this experience as a head start to the 2015/16 campaign. In an interview with nufc.co.uk, Aarons said: “I’m so proud. It’s my second call-up, and I really enjoyed the first time, so I’m looking forward to this one as well.”
“I got a call from the national manager to ask if I was available and fit, and I jumped at the chance to play for my country again. I used to watch the Toulon Tournament on television when I was younger. I remember Paul Pogba playing in it when France won, so I know what a huge tournament it is and how important it can be for the development of young players.
“I haven’t played a lot of football this season, so I’m looking forward to the tournament, just to get some match-fitness back. I want to play, I want to get sharp and use this as an early push for next season. When I come back to Newcastle for pre-season I want to have an edge on everyone else.
“It’s been six months since I was playing regularly. I feel fit but just need to get sharp again and that is difficult, especially at this time of the year. But I have been working really hard in training over the last few weeks and want to take that into the England squad and make sure I get selected for the matches.”
Aarons went on to admit he cannot wait to return from international duty and join up with his team-mates and new manager knowing they will be playing in the Premier League once again next season.
“I’m happy to get called-up but the most important thing is that I am joining up with the squad as a Premier League player,” he continued. “Yes, I wasn’t involved against West Ham but that was a huge game and huge result for the Club. All that mattered was that Newcastle stayed in the Premier League. Getting relegated would have been disastrous but we got the win we needed.”
