Tony Pulis sends warning to Newcastle United youngster Sean Longstaff

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Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has been thriving in recent weeks.

Tony Puls had a stern message for Newcastle United ace Sean Longstaff by stating that he has a ‘long, long way’ to go in the game.

The 21-year-old has come of age in recent weeks, producing a number of high-quality performances and scoring his first league goal against Burnley last time out.

Longstaff wasn’t in manager Rafa Benitez’s plans at the start of the campaign, but with certain players either being injured, out-of-form or absent, it opened the door for him in the first-team.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live after Newcastle’s home win against Burnley (26/02/2019 at 10:15 pm), Middlesbrough boss, Pulis shared his thoughts on Longstaff.

“I think the most important thing is to keep his feet on the ground and make sure it’s not about 12 games, it’s about 200/300 games,” Pulis told BBC Radio 5 Live. “And to do that, you have to be really, really dedicated and keep the performances level up. Not only keep the levels up but try and improve yourself.

“The most important thing, especially with young players. They get so much so early. Whether it be praise or money or whatever you want to say.

“The attitude of the lads, and with a manager like Rafa, I’m sure he’ll keep his feet on the ground and make sure the kid understands that the kid has a long, long way to go to in establishing himself at a top club in the top league in the world.”

There is no doubt that Longstaff’s presence in midfield in recent weeks has lifted the St James’ Park crowd because he is a local lad.

The North-Shields-born player has started his side’s last seven league matches in the middle of the park, scoring one goal, supplying one assist and helping his team to four wins.

Now, the highly-rated youngster will want to maintain his place in Benitez’s starting XI as they begin a late surge up the table.

Last season, they were in the bottom half of the table, but they ended the season well and finished 10th in the league and they have the chance to replicate that if they continue in their ways.