One of the standout figures in Newcastle United's season so far has been that of boyhood fan, Sean Longstaff, with the 25-year-old having been almost everpresent in Eddie Howe's side after starting the last 16 Premier League games.

For all the praise afforded to the signings that have been made in the PIF regime thus far - with Bruno Guimaraes notably lauded as "magnificent" by club legend Alan Shearer - it is no doubt pleasing to see an academy product featuring week-in, week-out for the Magpies, with Longstaff having been rejuvenated following Steve Bruce's departure from the dugout.

The 25-year-old has somewhat had to bide his time after bursting onto the scene back in 2018 during Rafa Benitez's tenure - notably starting just 15 league games in each of the last two seasons - although is now reaping the rewards of his patience and perseverance, with three goals and three assists in 31 games across all fronts this term.

That tally includes a vital brace in the win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-final, second-leg tie last month, with that clinical double sparking jubilant scenes at St James' Park as the Tynesiders powered their way to the Wembley showpiece.

Although the final ultimately ended in disappointment, it will likely have been a welcome sight for supporters to have seen one of their own in the starting lineup on the day, with the midfield maestro having noted prior to the defeat to Manchester United that he is now "living the dream" under Howe.

The towering gem will undoubtedly be a shining example to those in the youth ranks who are able to see that there is a possible pathway into the senior set-up, with the aim now to see just who can emulate the North Shields native and be the next breakout star.

Who is Nathan Carlyon?

An ideal candidate to follow in the footsteps of the current Newcastle gem is fellow midfielder Nathan Carlyon, with the 20-year-old having previously outlined his admiration for Longstaff - as well as his brother Matty - after signing a new deal back in July 2021:

"Sean and Matty have done everything that I set out to do. From young lads in the academy all the way through to taking their chance in the first-team.

"I always want every Newcastle player to do well but even more so the players who come through the academy. Both brothers are idols and hopefully one day I can be in the same squad/team as them.

The Durham-born starlet - who can be deployed in the centre of the park or at full-back if required - has been on the club's books since the age of nine, with it likely to be something of a dream to be able to force his way into the first-team fold.

While the Englishman has been unable to make that step-up as yet, the promising youngster has been a regular fixture at U21 level of late, having made 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 so far this season.

The versatile ace has had a taste of life up against senior opposition after featuring twice in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign, notably recording 2.5 tackles and one interception per game in the competition - albeit from a full-back berth.

Howe and co would likely benefit from being able to utilise such an adaptable figure, while the midfield department does appear particularly stretched at present, following Jonjo Shelvey's exit last month.

As such, it may not be long before Carlyon is potentially lining up alongside Longstaff at St James' Park.