Sean Longstaff reveals how Newcastle's players are helping him

Longstaff, promoted to the first-team squad this summer after a season on loan at Blackpool, played the full 90 minutes against St Patrick’s Athletic and Hull City.

The 20-year-old – who hopes to play against Porto at the Estadio do Dragao tonight – also scored on his senior debut against St Patrick’s.

And Longstaff – who sees himself as a box-to-box midfielder – is keen to show manager Rafa Benitez what he can do in the final third of the pitch.

“We were playing a three in midfield (at Blackpool), so I was one of two advanced central midfielders, just trying to get forward and score goals and create goals,” said Longstaff.

“I’d probably say I was more of a No 8, sort of box-to-box midfielder trying to arrive late score goals.”

Longstaff has been welcomed into the senior Newcastle group.

“They’ve been great,” said Longstaff. “I’ve been speaking to people as much as possible.

“They’re giving me bits of advice, and obviously getting to know them on a personal basis helps me feel more comfortable and hopefully it can help me on the pitch.”

Benitez delayed a proposed loan to League One club Portsmouth earlier this month so he could assess Longstaff in pre-season.

It’s been a memorable summer for the Longstaff family.

Longstaff’s younger brother Matty, also a midfielder, signed a professional deal at United this summer.

“He’s just signed a two-year, my little brother Matty,” said Longstaff. “He’s doing really well. He’s been really good. We’re pretty different.

“He’s more of a holding midfielder. He’s really, really good. People might say I’m biased, but I don’t really care.

“He’s done really well the last two years. He’s signed as a pro as well, so we’re doing all right at the minute.”