New Newcastle United coach has this message to his players if they are to make it to the top

The former Ipswich Town Under-23s co-manager stood alongside head of coaching Ben Dawson in the home dugout at Whitley Park as his newly inherited side secured their place as runners-up to Group D winners West Bromwich Albion.

A brace from the Tom Allan and goals from Elliott Anderson, Jack Young, Yannick Toure and Oisin McEntee helped the Magpies youngsters to a 6-2 win - but they had to show their resilient side after the visitors had threatened to cancel out a three-goal advantage that United looked to be taking into half-time.

Two clinical finishes from the in-form Allan and a stunning individual effort from Anderson put the Magpies firmly in control of the game as the interval approached.

But a fine volley from George Hornshaw and a cool finish from former United winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni either side of the break got the Iron back in the game.

However, a sublime free-kick from Jack Young restored the Magpies two-goal lead just after the hour-mark and they eased to a win thanks to further goals from Swiss striker Yannick Toure and defender Oisin McEntee.

Hogg said: “I have just made the point to them there that they have to have a ruthless mentality.

“That is what you are going to need to have a career in the game.

“Once you get on top, can you stay on top?

“How do you see out games and make sure that you come through rough spells in games?

“These are the things we will be talking about over the coming weeks and months.

“It’s still youth football, and you see a lot of that.

“There are a lot of peaks and troughs throughout moments in the game and I thought they showed real character to score a couple more goals.”

The Magpies youngsters are back in action next Friday night when they return to Premier League 2 duty against Middlesbrough at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park.