At least one Newcastle striker had success against the Italians on Wednesday night. While Craig Bellamy was being sent off against Inter Milan, 18-year-old Michael Chopra again caught the eye for England under-20s, scoring twice against the Italians at Sunderland's Stadium of Light of all places.

Even though England lost 5-3 to a classy Azzurri, Chopra's double meant a lot to his personal pride and manager Les Reed was positively glowing about his young protégé.

"Michael has all the talent in the world," he told us after the match. "He can go as far in the game as he wants to. I don't normally build up young players publicly but I have known Michael since he was 14 and I know his attitude is first-class.

"From the very start, I could tell he had outstanding anticipation and opportunism in front of goal. He has Alan Shearer to look up to at Newcastle and Peter Beardsley doing his coaching and you couldn't get better role models than them."

So what about Chopra himself? Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has already compared him to Shearer even though the local youngster has so far played only once in the Newcastle first team this season - as a sub in the Worthington Cup.

While Chopra waits in the wings at St James's Park, he admits his international appearances take on even greater significance. An outstanding goal against Georgia for the under-19s last season was followed this week with a poacher's strike and glancing header against Italy.

"It's good for me to face the Italians," he says. "They are strong, they are physical, they mark tightly and the games are high standard. "It was disappointing to lose of course but I was pleased with my goals, particularly the second. The cross coming in took a deflection but I showed some anticipation and managed to find space to put it in. It was good because I don't score that many headers!

"As a team we did well in the first half but should have got a bit tighter when we were ahead."

Newcastle are famous for their number nines and Chopra, who isn't 19 until next month, is prepared to bide his time under Sir Bobby although anxious to show what he can do.

"I will have to wait my turn and hope it comes sooner rather than later. I was so wrapped up with the England game I didn't even think about the score between Newcastle and Inter."

 

Chopra swept in Dean Ashton's cross for the opening goal of the game like a natural-born marksman but Reed is equally pleased with his recent all-round game.

"It was nice for Michael to score a couple because recently he has been the provider for other people. His versatility is a huge benefit; we don't see our front three as being restricted to set positions. We like them to all be able to switch from wide positions to down the middle.

"Michael has adapted to that really well and it helps that he only needs to be told things once to understand, a bit like Michael Tonge who I thought had a great debut."

The chance of seeing Chopra and Everton's spectacular 17-year-old Wayne Rooney together is a mouth-watering one. "It would be nice," admits Reed, relishing the prospect.

"It is up to us to build good relationships with club managers. It would be nice to think players like Michael Dawson, Stefan Moore and Rooney could all benefit from playing with the rest of the team."

GEORDIES FOR ENGLAND

 

Paul Gascoigne - Left hometown club for Spurs in English football's first £2million transfer in 1988. Two years later he became the best-known face in Britain after Italia 90.

Bryan Robson - Captain Marvel won 90 England caps and was picked in three World Cup squads 1982-90, scoring England's quickest goal in the finals against France in 1982

Bobby and Jack Charlton - the most famous brothers of all, Geordie or otherwise. Shared the 1966 World Cup triumph although vastly different players, Bobby was known for his rocket shot, Jack for his uncompromising defending

Alan Shearer - Left Newcastle to start his illustrious career with Southampton, eventually returning to Tyneside for a world-record £15million fee. The top scorer of Euro 96 with five goals

Chris Waddle - Started life as a gangly winger at Newcastle and went on to sign for Spurs. Found his footballing paradise at Marseille where he proved to a be a bargain, even at £4.25m

Peter Beardsley - Had two spells at Newcastle, partnering Keegan first-time round and Andy Cole second time. Was the creator behind many of Gary Lineker's goals for England

Jackie Milburn - Wor Jackie is arguably Newcastle's finest son; twice winning the FA Cup in the 1950s and playing 13 times for England.