Big brother provides spur for Jak’s progress

Nov 22 2009 by Lee Ryder, Sunday Sun

CHRIS HUGHTON has heaped praise on to young goalie Jak Alnwick as the Toon youngster bids to follow in the footsteps of his big brother.

Newcastle were pipped to the signing of older sibling Ben after the 22-year-old graduated through Sunderland’s youth system before winning a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur and representing England Under-21s along the way.

Now his 16-year-old brother has been making huge strides with Newcastle by training with the first team and starring for the reserves on the big stage at St James’ Park.

Alnwick pulled off a series of fine stops in the 3-2 win over Hartlepool United and played a prominent part in the victory for Alan Thompson’s youngsters.

Hughton was in the stands to watch the performance of the young Academy product and feels the showing was evidence of his rapid progress.

He told the Sunday Sun: “Jak was excellent and impressed with a good performance.