Newcastle United chief scout Graham Carr insists they're not ignoring local Geordie talent.

Carr's main role at present is to sift out as much unnoticed talent as possible from the continent, however, he states that nobody at Newcastle has neglected the hunt for Tyneside talent.

When asked if a balance between imported and local players can be reached, Carr told the Evening Chronicle: "I would love to see that here.

"Even when I played I ended up going to Northampton - I was the youngest in the team in 1965 when we finished second to Newcastle and went up to the First Division.

"Back then every club had a Geordie fellow in their team.

"Or at least somebody from between Berwick and Middlesbrough. Clubs like Burnley had four or five.

"And it's still a great breeding area, and I would love to see more homegrown players come through."