Peter Beardsley reveals how close  Dan Barlaser and Newcastle youths are to breaking into the first team

Newcastle United under-23’s boss Peter Beardsley has revealed how close he thinks Dan Barlaser and the other rising stars are to breaking into the first team.

Beardsley questioned whether the players are ready to step up to the next level just yet but also stated that he senior team head coach Rafa Benitez knows his players are ready to be called up.

Beardsley told the Chronicle: “I don’t think they need to push on. The gaffer is brilliant with them and he knows they are ready if they are needed.

“From my point of view, I would love him to pick some of our kids, but are these kids ready for that level? As much as they played well (against West Ham), the next level is a massive level.”

Barlaser started in the under-23’s victory over West Ham under-23’s in the Last 16 of the Premier League Cup.

The 20-year-old midfielder was born in Gateshead, Newcastle and is of Turkish origin giving him the option to represent both Turkey and England at senior international level.

Barlaser has yet to decide which senior national side he will play for, he has played for both national teams at youth level.