Former Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer has heaped praise on Newcastle United youngster Sean Longstaff.
The ex-Seasiders boss worked closely with Longstaff throughout last season as the young midfielder enjoyed first-team football on a regular basis whilst away from Newcastle on loan.
Longstaff found the net on nine occasions for Blackpool last season, establishing himself as a key player in Bowyer’s plans.
Newcastle proceeded to keep hold of him during the recently-concluded summer transfer window and Longstaff was even handed his senior bow for the club in their recent 3-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup away at Nottingham Forest.
As quoted by the Blackpool Gazette, Bowyer took the time to reflect on the youngster’s tenure at Bloomfield Road, waxing lyrical about the player’s rapid development.
He’s got fantastic ability and he’s a fantastic lad as well. He wants to get better and that was the big thing about him; he was always looking to improve, always in the office looking at his clips for ways he could get better. Personally, as a coach and as a manager, I’m delighted to see the progress he’s made in pre-season.
Longstaff will be desperate to make his mark on Newcastle’s first-team this season but faces stiff competition in the midfield, with several senior players currently ahead of him.
He’s got a lot of talent and he’s got a good family behind him that really support him and push him. And working with Rafa Benítez, he’s got a great opportunity to improve his game even further now.
Hopefully, he breaks through and becomes a regular for Newcastle.
