Mark Carruthers: Why Jamie Vardy comparisons are not helpful for Hebburn Town ace as he joins Newcastle United on trial

Could the Hebburn Town striker really become the next Jamie Vardy? Will he shine during his trial with the Magpies and make the jump from non-league to the bright lights of the Premier League?

It is a predictable angle for many to take and the fact that some outlets have done so does not surprise me in the slightest – but it is also one that applies unnecessary pressure and expectation on to a player that is still learning his trade in the Northern League.

After all we should not forget that the 21-year-old will be looking to bridge a gap of eight tiers in the English football pyramid and even Vardy made that step in three transfers rather than one giant leap.

This is not an attempt to underplay the outstanding run of form that Cedwyn has embarked on as he fired his way to 20 goals in nine games over the last two months.

Nor is it an attempt to suggest that the Hornets striker is not capable of impressing the likes of Ben Dawson, Chris Hogg and Peter Ramage during his time with United’s under-23s’ squad and earning a dream move from non-league to Premier League.

Anyone that has witnessed Cedwyn’s performances and his undoubted improvement throughout this most bizarre of seasons will testify that he is capable of pretty much anything he wants to do if he puts his mind to it.

It is just over three weeks since I watched him scored four goals as Hebburn continued their impressive start to the season by romping to a big win at Northern League Division One rivals Ashington.

His first goal that night summed up the improvements he has made in his game since the start of the season as he raced into space on the right-hand side of the area and, without breaking stride, dinked a first-time chip over Colliers keeper Adam McHugh.

But his all-round display leading the Hornets front-line on his own that night was one of a player brimming with confidence and with a growing maturity to his game.

His hold-up play was near impeccable, he brought team-mates into the game with ease and he kept his temperament during an intense physical and mental battle with the Colliers defence.

Conversations with coaches that have worked with the player suggest that he is “down-to-earth” and “extremely grounded” and Hebburn manager Kevin Bolam has insisted that he will not be phased by his glimpse of the big-time with Newcastle, nor will he let it go to his head.

Scott has a chance to make a name for himself and he has earned that for his attitude, his commitment to improving his game and hard work since he joined Hebburn earlier this year.

Newcastle aren’t the only show in town when it comes to clubs interested in taking a look at what he has to offer as both Sunderland and Morecambe have watched him in person and at least two other Football League clubs are said to be monitoring the situation.

The fact that clubs from higher up football’s food chain are monitoring someone that has hit form whilst plying his trade in North East non-league football should be a boost for players around the region.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a vibrant non-league scene and one that has provided success in the form of FA Vase wins, FA Cup giant-killings and numerous promotions.

Clubs would be foolish to at least look at what is on offer as they look to unearth rough diamonds and polish them into something capable of shining at a higher level.

There have been some that have made a serious impact on the North East’s non-league scene without making the bold step into the full-time, professional game.

Whitley Bay’s three-time FA Vase winner Lee Kerr was a trialist at Newcastle during Glenn Roeder’s time in charge of the Magpies and was offered a chance to spend a season alongside the likes of Shay Given and Nobby Solano.

Blyth Spartans legend Robbie Dale has often been described as the greatest non-league player to have never turned professional during an eye-catching career at Croft Park – despite spending time on trial with an Oxford United side managed by former Newcastle United manager Jim Smith.

And many a former team-mate has expressed their surprise over the fact that former Spennymoor Town and South Shields striker Gavin Cogdon was never given a chance to shine at a higher level throughout a trophy-laden career in non-league.

There are others and I am sure anyone reading this will have witnessed a player they believe was capable of moving into the Football League at some point.

But what is clear is that the platform is there for the players to impress and Cedwyn Scott has shown that it is possible to capture their attention with the right attitude and by consistently performing at the top of your game.

Hopefully, his story will not end with his four-week trial with the Magpies, and further chapters can be written.

But perhaps the greatest legacy his trial can leave is that it can inspire his fellow non-league players in the region to create their own success stories.