In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Newcastle United Hall of Famer, Rob Lee, praised on-loan star Joe Willock for doing what a lot of other midfielders don't like to do, which is get into the box and score goals.

Willock has been a tremendous signing since he arrived on deadline day having managed four goals in 10 games and the Magpies arguably missed his energy and willingness to get forward during their defeat to his parent club, Arsenal.

There have been reports suggesting that the Magpies may be able to sign the 21-year old for £20 million this summer and if the player wanted the move, it would appear to be a no-brainer for Steve Bruce.

Speaking on what Willock does so well for Newcastle and how it is a very rare feature for a midfielder to have, Lee told FFC:

"Midfielders don't want to run into the box nowadays because all this academy football is very Tiki-taka and playing in front of the opposition, so nobody wants to run into the box anymore.

"Hopefully we can keep him because midfielders running into the box are a dying breed and if you get one that can score you 10 goals a season, he'll be worth his weight in gold."

The £20,000 per week midfielder has not started a game for Newcastle since their 3-0 defeat against Brighton on March 20th but he has scored goals against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Liverpool when he has come off the bench.

Bruce has confirmed that Willock does not like to be labelled a super sub and if he was to be at the club beyond this season, it would not be a long-term role for the midfielder.