The Magpies academy graduate was reportedly denied January loan moves away but is now impressing for Rafael Benitez’s charges.
Sean Longstaff has spoken out on his breakthrough in the Newcastle United senior team and how he is eager to repay the club coaching staff for the opportunity.
The midfielder also admitted that, while a loan move away to a team sitting mid-table in a different league might have been easier, he is nonetheless happy to be at the deep end of his parent club’s relegation battle.
After impressing at youth level, Magpies manager Rafael Benitez opted to give Longstaff his first-team debut in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool on Boxing Day last year and the youngster put in a good performance despite the team being blown away by the Reds.
Longstaff was then handed his full debut against yet another top side, Chelsea, in the 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge on 12 January, and kicked on from there with a first senior goal in the FA Cup third-round replay win over Blackburn and another fine display in the 3-0 win over Cardiff.
According to Chronicle Live, the 21-year-old was wanted by Portsmouth in the summer on loan while the Magpies reportedly also blocked moves from the likes of Birmingham City and Rotherham this month.
Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round game at home against Watford, Longstaff spoke to Chronicle Live about his time in the first team so far and those blocked moves.
“It would be easier coming into a team sitting in the middle of the table but for me, it makes it more special to come in for a massive game against Cardiff,” he said.
“The gaffer had enough belief in me to not take a risk on Mo Diame and trusted me to come in. That is a great feeling and I am just trying to repay that faith in him. I want to repay the staff and players for trusting me this season.”
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