Soccer: Newcastle take on young Kiwi

By TERRY MADDAFORD

David Rayner has joined soccer's growing list of young Kiwis playing offshore.

Eighteen-year-old Rayner, a member of last year's Kevin Fallon-coached under-17 world championship side, has signed an initial one-year contract with English premier league club Newcastle United.

Tauranga-born but playing the last two years of his school football with Westlake Boys' High and Mt Albert Grammar, Rayner had trials at Middlesbrough before moving north to Newcastle.

"I was there on a trial basis for six weeks and trained and played with their under-19 side," said Rayner, who is home for a short stay. He will return on July 10 to prepare for the new season. "They took me aside during the period I was on trial and offered me a one-year contract. I can play in the under-19 academy side, the reserves or maybe even the first team."

He joins under-23 international Chris Killen (at Manchester City) and All White Danny Hay (at Leeds United) in the English premier league.

They could yet be joined by Allan Pearce, Jeremy Christie, David Mulligan and former Waitakere City player Darren Young, who are all at first-division Barnsley. Barnsley are chasing a premier spot for next season.