Sean Longstaff admits it was 'quite sad' to see his brother Matty be released by Newcastle United but has backed the midfielder to once again prove he is a 'top player' elsewhere. The academy graduate was one of the headline departures from the Magpies' retained list, with the club deciding against offering the 23-year-old a new contract.
Matty enjoyed a memorable Premier League debut, netting the winner in front of the Gallowgate End against Manchester United after starting alongside his brother Sean in October 2019. Following a lengthy contract stand-off, the younger Longstaff brother agreed a new two-year deal the following summer and was handed the number four shirt.
However, first-team opportunities proved to be limited and the midfielder endured mixed success on loan at Aberdeen and Mansfield Town. Newcastle confirmed a one-year extension had been agreed prior to his latest loan with Colchester United, but this spell was brought to a premature end after he suffered a serious knee injury in the Boxing Day win over Gillingham.
