Why Sean Neave is not ready for the Premier League just yet - Robbie Stockdale

Newcastle United's Under-21s snatched another draw last night against Wolverhampton Wanderers thanks to a Sean Neave equaliser.

Sean Neave has been in superb form of late, which has helped the young Magpies climb the Premier League 2 and guarantee them a spot in the Professional Development League play-off following their 3-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

Neave's goal against Wolves last night was his eighth goal in his last seven Premier League 2 games, which has taken him to 15 for the season in 21 games.

The youngster has taken his place on the first-team bench eight times this season, too, usually to make up the numbers in the Champions League, where Newcastle's squad was reduced due to rules around homegrown players.

In-form Neave told areas to improve

Despite riding the bench for eight games, his only taste of first-team action came in the form of a cameo in the 6-1 win over Qarabag in Azerbaijan.

Under-21s boss Robbie Stockdale spoke to The Chronicle after last night's draw and mentioned what Sean Neave still needs to work on before he's first-team ready.

“It’s difficult because the step up is huge. It’s a different level of competition - but Sean just needs to keep improving, he needs to get stronger and he needs to get more physically strong.

“These games over a period of time will help him with his stamina and I think we hope the next stage for all of our players is first-team football, wherever that may be.”

It's good to see common sense prevail

So often, fans will scream and shout that young players aren't given a chance, particularly when the first team isn't performing, but Stockdale is spot on when he says that the step up from Premier League 2 to the Premier League is massive.

This is exactly why loans are so important for young players - and why we really need to get our loans department sorted out.

We're sure Eddie Howe will take a look at Sean Neave in pre-season as he so often does with youngsters on the verge, and if he can bulk up quickly like Lewis Miley did, then who knows what could happen? But we're glad we're not just using him as a magic solution to our striking problems because he can score in the development league.