Pedro hails 'positive' Pardew.

It's becoming more and more evident that Newcastle United are taking youth development more seriously.

It's an essential part of a football club, or at least it should be anyway, that has been overlooked by the Toon for many years, but ever since Mike Ashley released that statement saying that "we would grow our own players" or something like that there have been tentative signs that youth development is once again being taken seriously on Tyneside.

I suppose the ultimate goal is to assemble a crop of youngsters like Manchester United did all those years back when the likes of Scholes, the Neville's, Beckham and Butt came through the youth setup, all at the same time saving the club a lot of money and making them an awful lot in the process. Realistically though, that only happens once in a blue moon so expectations should, rightfully, be lower.

If we can get one or two of our own products through the academy every couple of years I would say that would be classed as success. As long as they can cut the mustard then I'm all for bringing our own players through, but they must get a chance to show their worth.

Nile Ranger has been getting minutes here and there and now Shane Ferguson has joined the party and made his full Premier League debut at the weekend against Wolves.

Ranger may have failed to hit the back of the net, but he can handle the physical part of the game and I'm sure that it's only a matter of time before he opens his account for us whilst Ferguson has proved he can handle the physical side of the Premier League with sterling performances against Stoke and Wolves - two of the more physical teams in the league.

Mostly it's been down to circumstances that they have got the chance, especially Ferguson. Pardew has admitted that he had concerns over Ferguson, but he has also admitted that young Fergie has eased those concerns after being given the nod and proving his ability. It's all about getting the chance, and that is something Pedro claims that Pardew brings to the party.

“He’s really top class with the kids, I have to say," said Beardsley from his apartment which is just within tongue reach of Alan Pardew's ring.

He continued: “It’s a brilliant set-up now. This manager’s so positive towards everything at the club, whether it be the Academy, the reserves or obviously the first team. It rubs off – it’s infectious."

“We’re hoping one or two of ours might get a chance to get involved in the first-team squad, even if it’s just training. That makes a massive difference."

“It’s been a real plus – there have been times when he’s called some of our kids across to join in. Young Patrick Nzuzi has trained with the first team, through circumstances, probably half a dozen times in the last couple of months."

I'd pay to see Pedro trying to say 'Nzuzi' 😆