Sean Longstaff has proven the 'boo boys' wrong but needs to keep 'progressing' to remain a part of Newcastle United's ambitious future. That is the view of former Magpies full-back Warren Barton, who insists he never had doubts over the academy graduate's character and quality following a testing time on Tyneside.
Longstaff made his senior breakthrough in black-and-white under Rafa Benitez, but struggled for consistency under Steve Bruce. The midfielder often had to settle for a spot on the bench following Eddie Howe's appointment, with the Magpies eventually securing a mid-table finish last term.
Longstaff looked set to become a free agent last summer, only to sign a three-year contract extension in May last year. The 25-year-old has gone on to become a key player this season, starting the last 16 Premier League fixtures and earning praise for his industrious displays.
