Newcastle United's French fullback Mathieu Debuchy is backing the club's academy to start producing top Geordie talent.

There have been grumblings about the dearth of Geordies coming through at Newcastle but Debuchy insists the academy, part-funded by club sponsors Wonga, is vital.

He told the Daily Mail: "It is important they help local players become professionals. The fans want to see local players in their team."

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