My dad named me after Kevin Keegan now that I’m finally going to play at St James’ Park

AMBER-KEEGAN STOBBS will fulfill a childhood dream when she plays at St James’ Park for the first time on Sunday.

The 31-year-old skipper from Newcastle was named after Toon icon Kevin Keegan by her father.

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And Stobbs can’t wait to lead her team onto the hallowed turf when the Lady Magpies host Portsmouth in the semi-final of the Women’s National League Cup.

The London-born midfielder, whose playing career began in the academies of Arsenal and Chelsea, first went to St James’ as a seven-year-old to watch Newcastle beat Aston Villa 2-1.

Stobbs recalled: “It was 1999. I remember walking into the stadium and thinking, ‘This is incredible.’

“At the time we were in the K section where there were gray chairs.

“My father turned to me during the day and said, ‘Do you know why we’re in the K section?’

“He kept saying ‘Keegan, Keegan,’ and that made me feel very connected.

“That’s my favorite memory growing up as a Newcastle fan because the atmosphere of St James’ Park just washes over you.

“As a seven-year-old I didn’t know these places existed.”

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Stobbs’ career has seen her play for nine clubs, including Reading, Everton and Crystal Palace – and last summer she joined Newcastle.

Championship side Lewes’ drop to the third tier has paid off for Stobbs, with boss Becky Langley’s team top of the Northern Premier Division.

The midfielder believes her experience can help Newcastle – who last year became the first team at their level to go full-time – make the leap to the Championship.

Stobbs added: “When Becky said I was going to be captain I was blown away.

“I don’t use my experience much for what went well, but rather for the situations where I learned the best lessons.

“I have been in teams that were relegated from the Championship, a club that won the Championship and a club that missed out on promotion to WSL by one point.

“Experiences like this make me wonder where we fell short and what we need to do right next time.”

Their final women’s match against St. James’ Park in Newcastle saw them beat Bradford 6-1 in front of 24,000 spectators last April.

Stobbs, who is studying for a counseling diploma, has spoken in the past about the impact the sport can have on mental health.

She said: “The transition from part-time to full-time for the team was a big one, but the group handled it really well.

“My greatest passion is supporting people’s well-being and ensuring that everyone enjoys life and their dream of playing football.”