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Former Bafana striker's son cleared for Newcastle

Shaun Bartlett celebrates his goal against Kaizer Chiefs in 2006 Adrian de Kock/Backpagepix

Tyrique Bartlett, the teenage son of former South Africa international Shaun Bartlett, is hoping to make an impact in England after being cleared to play for Newcastle United's academy in the 2017/18 season.

The 17-year-old signed a three-year contract with the newly-promoted Premier League club earlier this year, but has been waiting for his international clearance before being able to start his new career in England.

Father Shaun spent six seasons at Charlton Athletic and is the second highest goalscorer in Bafana Bafana history, behind only Benni McCarthy with 29 in 74 caps.

Tyrique was born in Switzerland while Shaun turned out for FC Zurich, but is also reportedly also a naturalised English citizen after the time the family spent in South London.

"He's also a striker, quite explosive and can shoot with either the left or right foot," Shaun told KweseESPN. "He taller than me, a little over 1.90 metres, so in a way is a different type of player than I was.

"He's got a lot of skill and I am sure this is the next step for him to what will be a great professional career."

Tyrique was at the University of Pretoria's academy, where Shaun is head coach of the professional team, when a trial was arranged at him at Newcastle by agent Rob Moore, who also looks after McCarthy and Steven Pienaar.

"Through Rob and [former Bafana Bafana international] Lance Davids, they arranged the trial and Newcastle liked what they saw immediately. They have given him an academy contract and we are all very excited for him."

Tyrique has already turned out for the Newcastle Under-23 side last season, which is coached by former England international Peter Beardsley.