Manchester United's Geordie whizkid Shola Shoretire admits growing up admiring Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer.

Shoretire grew up on Tyneside before moving south to Manchester.

“I was very young when I was in Newcastle," he told manutd.com. "But the people that I looked up to were my favourite players, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. I think I have tried to make my game like theirs, quite technical and a good all-round player.

“But then I think, playing for Newcastle, a bit before my time, but Alan Shearer. He is the legend up there in Newcastle for what he's done for the club. Hearing his stories and the history of the club, that is what got me into playing football in Newcastle."

As fate would have it, his dream debut for the Reds at senior level came in the 3-1 win over Newcastle in February, and it was an occasion the teenager will never forget.

“It was an unbelievable feeling," he recalled. "Sitting on the bench and just being part of the squad. Then when I was called to come onto the pitch, nothing going through my head. I didn't know what to think. To get my first game against Newcastle, it meant a lot to me because of the journey I have had from Newcastle to Manchester. To be playing against them was really good."