Newcastle United's Joe White relishing life on loan at Crewe

The Newcastle United midfielder, who is from Carlisle, is enjoying a spell on loan with Crewe Alexandra.

And 21-year-old White, who scored his first senior goal recently, says he is feeling good about life in League Two.

“I think we have a really good side, we’re challenging at the top of the table which is what I want and what the whole team wants,” said White.

“I’m enjoying playing with the lads. Personally I’m just getting up to 100 per cent fully fit now.

“I felt good in the past few times I came on, scored at Gillingham and felt I did well when I came on at Salford.

“I feel I’m at my fittest now and I’m ready to challenge in the team.”

White has made four starts and five substitute appearances in all competitions for the fourth-placed Railwaymen.

The midfielder, who is the grandson of the late ex-Carlisle player, coach and physio and ex-Workington Reds manager Peter Hampton, says he is now up to speed after an injury-hit pre-season with his parent club.

White is the grandson of the late ex-Carlisle United and Workington Reds man Peter Hampton (Image: News & Star)

“I was injured in pre-season, I don’t think people realise it’s just four weeks you miss, it’s a massive part of how you get to full fitness for the season,” he said at a Crewe press conference.

“I’ve had an experience of League Two before [with Hartlepool United] and know exactly what it’s like. This is the first time I’m challenging at the top of the league.

“That’s what every player wants and our aim is to get promoted this season.”

White enjoyed a landmark moment against Gillingham earlier this month when he scored his first goal at first-team level.

His late effort capped Crewe’s 2-0 win.

“Personally it was good to score – I needed that,” added White. “I’ve had a good few games now in first-team football without a goal so it was really good to score.

“But the whole team has got good ability to attack, we’re a really attacking team and create loads of chances.

“Whether we score or concede first we know we’re going to create chances and we’re confident we can score more than the opposition.”

England Under-18 international White, who was with Carlisle’s academy before joining Newcastle, also said he’s enjoying watching his parent club making exciting progress in the Champions league.

“I’m watching Newcastle on TV – I’m living in Manchester at the moment – and I’m keeping in dialogue with them when I can,” added the Cumbrian.

“It’s really good to see them doing so well.”