PETER BEARDSLEY has high hopes for young striker Ivan Toney after the 19-year-old was named Barclays Under-21 player of the month for September.

The forward has fired two goals in three games for Beardsley’s development side, and was given his debut by head coach Steve McClaren in the 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea.

And Beardsley believes that they have unearthed a gem in Toney, after the youngster made a summer move from Northampton Town to Tyneside.

"I think we've got a real chance with Ivan. He's been a massive plus for us,” said Beardsley in an interview with the Newcastle club website. "He wants to score goals, he wants to make goals, and he wants the team to win. I think we've hit lucky with Ivan."

Meanwhile, Magpies’ reserve goalkeeper Rob Elliot has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial European Championship qualifier against Poland tomorrow.

The 29-year-old is expected to make his fourth appearance for Martin O’Neill’s side against the Poles.

Former Newcastle keeper Shay Given was stretchered off with a knee injury in Ireland’s 1-0 win over Germany on Thursday night.

A Football Association of Ireland statement said: “Rob Elliot has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying game against Poland in Warsaw on Sunday, October 11.

“The Newcastle United goalkeeper comes in as a replacement for Shay Given, who suffered a knee injury in the 1-0 victory over Germany and will report back to his club for further assessment.”