Ferdinand sends message to Willock after loanee scores again for Newcastle

Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand has praised Newcastle United's loanee Joe Willock after breaking a Premier League record on Wednesday.

Willock became the youngest player in league history to score in six consecutive matches when he slotted Newcastle's winner over Sheffield United.

The 21-year-old has shone for the northern club since he arrived on loan from Arsenal in January and has now scored seven goals in 13 appearances.

His top form has attracted a lot of praise and attention which Ferdinand also took part in.

He wrote in the comments of Willock's Instagram "hotting up the Prem like it's Sunday football" and later added "baller alert".

Willock's good form has not only attracted interest from Ferdinand as Newcastle's Steve Bruce is said to want to sign the player permanently.

And after he broke the league record, Willock confirmed he would be holding talks with his parent club to see if a deal could be struck.

He told NUFC TV: "I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for greeting me with open arms.

"I hope you're satisfied with what I've given for the club so far and hopefully there's more to continue in the future. I'm not going to promise anything, but the conversation is going to be held.

"To make history at this special club is special for me. I came here on loan to help the team and it's turned into a brilliant story.

"It's been tremendous and I'm so happy that we can sign off with a win at home."

A deal between Newcastle and Arsenal is yet to be seen but Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was keen on welcoming Willock back to the Emirates next season.

He said: "If we can get him for next year, he won't be a super-sub. I think he'll be playing.

"We're delighted for him, he's had quite an unbelievable few weeks."