Former Newcastle United star Steve Watson has urged his old club never to lose faith in their academy talent.
Watson hopes youth will continue to be given its chance at St James' Park.
Wallsend Boys Club product Watson told the Evening Chronicle: "I am still the youngest player to play for the club I love.
"That means a lot to me still now, and it is great the club are still bringing local lads through.
"We have Andy Carroll, Steven Taylor and Shola Ameobi still in the first team and it is important it keeps happening.
"Clubs need local talent to be coming through and it is good to see it happening - but it needs to continue."