---
title: "Exclusive interview with Newcastle prospect Mackenzie Heaney"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2015/12/03/exclusive-interview-newcastle-prospect-mackenzie-heaney/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Evin Grant"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2015-12-03T17:37:29Z"
modified: "2015-12-03T17:44:32Z"
---

# Exclusive interview with Newcastle prospect Mackenzie Heaney

Earlier this week, we at Read Newcastle had the opportunity to interview current Newcastle United prospect Mackenzie Heaney about his career.

[The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2015/oct/06/next-generation-2015-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs) had his name on their list of the 20 best Premier League youth talents this year, so one could say he’s a very talented footballer!

At just 16 years of age, Mackenzie is making quite a name for himself in the footballing world. Having been already [called up](https://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20150811/heaney-called-up-for-england_2281670_4925247) to the England U-17 squad, this young man has a very bright future in the game.

We would like to thank Mackenzie for his participation. Here’s the interview in full.

**How did you end up at Newcastle United?**

*“I was playing Sunday League football and got scouted. Then, the club asked me to come on trial with them.”*

**What’s your preferred position and why?**

*“Attacking midfield (like a number 10), because I love running at people and committing defenders!”*

![Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2015/12/109788079.jpg)

**Who is your footballing idol and why?**

*“I have a few idols like Messi, Ronaldo and Douglas Costa, because they all love running and taking players on.”*

**Were you starstruck when you returned to training after the summer break and saw the club’s new signings?**

*“It wasn’t a shock because of all the press talking about the transfers!”*

**Who is the best player you’ve had the privilege of playing/training with?**

*“The best player I’ve trained with is probably Ben Arfa when he was at the club.”*

![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2015/12/142608953.jpg)

**Which current footballer would you compare yourself to?**

*“I would compare myself to someone like David Silva! Someone who is creative on the ball.”*

**Ilkeston will be your opponents in the FA Youth Cup 3rd Round, as you know. Just how far can the youth team go in this year’s tournament?**

*“We have a really good group of lads and a good team spirit, so I have faith and confidence in the lads and expect us to go far.”*

**Finally, who’s the funniest player in the dressing room?**

*“Funniest player in the dressing room would probably be Owen Bailey!”*

So, these were very interesting answers from a terrific lad. We’d like to wish him all the best for the future, and we look forward to seeing him step out onto St. James’ Park for the first-team one day*.*