Cumbrian Premier League prospect Joe White is excited at the prospect of making his professional debut on the big stage this weekend.

The Newcastle United midfielder, who is from Carlisle, could be involved for loan club Hartlepool United for the first time on Saturday.

And if he gets an outing it will come against top-flight side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the FA Cup.

White, 19, joined Pools on loan last week, said he is looking forward to the chance to impress.

"I can't wait for it," he said.

"Hopefully I'll make my professional debut and it would be a very good place to do it."

White's opportunity to take on Patrick Vieira's top-flight side comes after he linked up with Carlisle's rivals Pools until the end of the season.

The talented young Cumbrian had been in the sights of other clubs but opted to join Graeme Lee's side.

It is the latest step in his progress after impressing in Newcastle's academy ranks and making the first-team bench this season.

The England youth international has also attracted reported interest from big clubs such as Chelsea, Celtic and Rangers this season but is understood to be close to extending his Newcastle stay.

Speaking on Pools' media channels, White added of his loan move: "It's a really good feeling. It got done quite quickly when I first found out [Hartlepool] were interested.

"I can't wait to get started. One of the biggest reasons [for joining the club] is the gaffer and the way he likes to play, being an attacking midfielder and a number ten, forward-thinking.

"He just told me to bring what I've done all season for Newcastle into this team, to try and create, score goals and help the team moving forward and push us as far up the table as possible."

White, who has a target of five goals and five assists during his time at Victoria Park, is the grandson of the late former Carlisle United player, coach and physio and Workington Reds manager Peter Hampton.

He was on the Blues' books before joining Newcastle's academy in 2016.