Sean Longstaff continued his fine run of form for Newcastle United this season setting up Callum Wilson for the opener against West Ham United. Jamie Redknapp has heaped praise on the Magpies midfielder for adding goals to his game in recent weeks and is backing him to add more to his tally, while proving the doubters wrong.
Once dubbed expendable under previous regimes, Longstaff has gone from strength to strength under Eddie Howe. The Magpies academy graduate has nailed down his place in the starting XI and looks undroppable in his current run of form.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: "You’ve only got to look at Eddie Howe, he gets younger by the day. He’s a man that’s sleeping well at night, he’s very happy with the players, it’s a dream for him since he’s gone there, they’re in cup finals and he’s bringing the best out of players.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe has an 'idea' of next Newcastle transfer as summer plans already start ramping up
"I remember him at Bournemouth, watching them closely as they were my former team and remember that he sort of transformed players. There’s a lot of players, look at Longstaff in midfield, and people thought he might be surplus to requirements - anything but.
"Eddie’s looked at him and can see he’s got great work ethic, he’s the sort of player that you want to be around, you can tell he’s a real team player, and that’s what Eddie likes. No stars, he just wants everybody to work hard with and without the ball.
"He had a little sniff at goal, important goals for his team, to settle him down and I wouldn’t be surprised - we say London buses - that he might start coming along now because you get a feel for it. You get in the box and all of a sudden the next one falls for you, and he’s proved there that he can finish."
Former Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given was in agreement. He added: " I’m happy for him. He’s box-to-box, he gives everything and if you look at his running stats he’s up top probably in the Premier League, not just at Newcastle.
"He has been getting into the box on a regular basis but just not converting the chances, and as you said the other night getting the two goals, his confidence today will be sky-high. It’s great for a local lad as well, scoring two goals, to get them to the final, it’s absolutely special."
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15.
READ NEXT:
The intriguing Matt Targett decision for Eddie Howe with Newcastle star edging back to fitness
Eddie Howe details Newcastle United plan for replacing suspended Bruno Guimaraes
Callum Wilson sends 'confident' message as Newcastle United reach Carabao Cup final
Newcastle bid another emotional farewell in 'really nice moment' away from television cameras
Alexander Isak must be the man to replace huge Bruno Guimaraes void at Newcastle United in February
