Newcastle United coach Peter Beardsley is pleased with progress of young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

The England youth international has made huge strides forward this season and shown outstanding form in the Under-18s and the Under-21s.

Beardsley told the Evening Chronicle: "I wouldn't say he's starting to shine - he's always shone. From day one.

"It could be three, four or five years before he plays in the first team though.

"I don't mean it in a cheeky way because I love Freddie.

"But he's in the real world and when you have Tim Krul, Freddie is a little bit behind Tim.

"In that sense when you look at keepers he has only just turned 18.

"He's a long way from being a Premier League goalkeeper. But he knows that. It's not a negative. He understands that.

"He's been on the bench for the last 10 games or so, he isn't that far away but while Tim is fit, he will be number 1."