Rafa Benitez has invited ‎Ryan Hyacinth, son of former Super Eagles left back Celestine Babayaro to come and train with Newcastle United's youth team, and says he hopes the boy becomes the new Messi.

This was after the 10-year-old emerged the Most Valuable Player in a small sided football competition organized by
Newcastle United's 1892 Foundation for schools at the Tyneside.

‎Ryan helped his school Cambois Primary School Northumberland win the 1892 Foundation Cup and also impressed so much that manager Rafa Benitez picked him to start training with the Magpies’ youth team.

''The idea is to keep the connection between the club and the community, it would be fantastic if the club did produce a player on the back of one of the Foundation’s courses.

''It’s not the main idea but at the same time you come across one talent nobody knew about. And then maybe he will be the new Messi!'' Benitez said.

Ryan Hyacinth's father Celestine Babayaro played close to 50 matches for Newcastle United, ‎having joined them from Chelsea in 2005.

Igho Kingsley