Ivan Toney Admits He Wants To Emulate "Fantastic" Ayoze Perez At Newcastle

Ivan Toney has admitted he wants to emulate the "fantastic" Ayoze Perez during his debut campaign at Newcastle United. The Northampton Town forward completed his move to the Magpies on Thursday on a "long-term deal", before revealing he has serious admiration for Perez, with the Spaniard having netted seven times and generally impressed all-round during his first season on Tyneside. Toney is expected to be used within the development squad or sent out on loan this season although, like Perez, he could make the step-up to the first team sooner rather than later.

Speaking to NUFCTV in his first official interview after signing, the 19-year-old said:

"I'm just looking to play football - wherever I am. (The) Under-21s, first team, coming off the bench making an impact, or going out on loan. "If that's what I have to do then I'm willing to do that. As long as I'm playing football then I don't mind what I'm doing. "He's (Perez's) is a great player. I've seen a few of his clips and some of his goals - wow, I just don't know what to say. He's fantastic. "It's always hard coming to a new team (with) new players and not knowing too much but it's down to you to show what you've got and get yourself into the first team."

If Toney does join up with Newcastle's development squad in the short term, then he will work under coach Peter Beardsley - who he impressed during a two-day trial with the club. And, when asked about Beardsley, Toney told NUFCTV that he is "excited" to be playing under the Toon legend. He continued:

(It's) very exciting working under him (Beardsley) and just working for him. "Hopefully I'll get him the goals he wants me to get and pay him back for some of the things he's done (for me)."

The full interview can be watched HERE at NUFC.co.uk.CLICK HERE to read "10 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Ivan Toney".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.