Travis Hernes, the midfielder for Newcastle United, has shared his thoughts on the whirlwind experience he has had over the past few weeks, where he made his way into Eddie Howe’s first-team lineup.
At the age of 18, Hernes made the move to Newcastle from Shrewsbury Town during the summer transfer window. Since then, he has made a strong impression while playing for the club’s under-18s and their UEFA Youth League team. His performances caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his inclusion in training sessions with Newcastle’s first-team in recent weeks.
In an exciting turn of events, Hernes even found himself named on the bench for Newcastle’s notable 2-0 triumph in the FA Cup against Fulham, as well as their 3-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa last month. Although he didn’t have the opportunity to step onto the field during either match, the Norwegian prodigy cherished the invaluable experience gained from being a part of the first-team squad.
“It’s absolutely surreal,” he expressed in an interview with TV2. “You find yourself in a state of disbelief, unable to do anything but absorb the surroundings and take it all in. It’s the kind of experience you fantasize about when you’re a young child.
“When I received the call-up for first-team training, it was mind-boggling to think that I’ve played with all these players on FIFA, yet they have no clue who I am in real life.
“There are certain players you watch on TV and think, ‘Wow, they are truly exceptional.’ So, when you’re sitting on the bench, all you desire is to taste what it’s like to step onto the pitch in a Premier League match. It doesn’t feel real when you’re in the dressing room alongside Champions League-caliber footballers, to some extent. But eventually, you adapt and get accustomed to it.”
“When you’re training with the team on a daily basis and earn a spot on the bench, it’s a clear indication that you’re on the right track,” Hernes explained. “It reinforces the fact that I need to keep giving my best and demonstrate that I merit a place in the squad. The opportunity serves as motivation to continue working hard and proving myself.”
Before joining Newcastle, Hernes had his professional league debut for Shrewsbury Town as a substitute in a 1-0 victory against Cheltenham Town in August. Just days later, he started in a 2-1 Carabao Cup loss against Leeds United.
In the previous season, the midfielder had his first taste of professional football in a 2-1 EFL Trophy match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he scored in a 2-1 defeat. Interestingly, Hernes had previously been on trial with Wolves, but they opted not to sign him.
“They told me I wasn’t up to their standards,” Hernes recalled. “I was deeply disappointed. As a Norwegian player, your ultimate goal is to play for a Premier League club.
“When I was 16, I played against Wolverhampton, and I even managed to score against them. So, although I was initially upset, I believe things turned out for the best.”
