Derek McInnes understands lure of Premier League as Charlie McArthur joins Newcastle United

Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes says he understands the attraction of the English Premier League as one of the club’s young talents left for Newcastle United.

Charlie McArthur has moved to St James’ Park for an undisclosed fee and joins the Under-18 squad at the English top flight side and the Scotland Under-17 captain leaves Rugby Park with a burgeoning reputation, having made his debut at the age of 16.

McInnes expressed regret that the player hadn’t made more appearances before heading south but said that it was understandable that Kilmarnock couldn’t resist when an approach was made, and that a move would appeal to young players.

“We understood, like all Scottish clubs, that we’re vulnerable to the richest league in the world with all the money that is available there,” the Kilmarnock boss told the club website.

“Ideally Charlie, as a Kilmarnock supporter, would have played 100 games for the Kilmarnock first team and we would have gotten a lot of satisfaction in seeing that.

“Unfortunately for us, a bigger club has come along and identified he’s a good player, which he is.

“The move was something that Charlie was keen on, so once we established that with his agents, then it was all about us getting the fee that we wanted, which thankfully we did.

“We wish Charlie all the best. He’s a great kid and he’s someone we’ve really been impressed with in the short time that I’ve been here.

“You can see exactly why Newcastle would want to bring him into their system and we’ll look out for him and hope he does well there.

“He will always be welcome back at Rugby Park.”