The club's under-18s coach has paid tribute to the efforts of his young charges after a second placed finish in the league was confirmed.

Newcastle United pipped our youngsters to the Academy League divisional title on Tuesday after securing the silverware with a 1-0 success against Barnsley.

The outcome means Redfearn's youngsters will go into the final game of the season against Huddersfield Town on Saturday destined for the runners-up spot in the league.

While the runners-up don't qualify for the end of season Play-Offs, the under-18s coach admits he has been pleased with the campaign and says his young charges can be proud of their achievements.

"They perform as well as they can throughout the season and they've got themselves in a good position," said Neil.

"They've done brilliant really. They've took on board everything we asked them.

"They performed very well after a difficult start, and they've got to take great credit for that. It's fantastic. You don't want to go into the end of the season with nothing to play for, and we kept things alive virtually all the way.

"The physical programme in the summer stood them in good stead and we look a strong physical outfit. There's no two doubts that the ability is there, but we look strong as well."

The youngsters have claimed a number of Premier League youth scalps along the way with wins coming against Everton last weekend, Bolton, Newcastle twice, and Wolves. The lads also picked up a 2-2 draw at Man City in March.

"This is the best standard of youth football in this country because the Premier League is an elite league," said the coach.

"A lot of these clubs have paid a lot of money for some of their younger players, but ours have understood things and have done very, very well.

"Maybe it's a surprise to finish where we are, but not so because we have a determined group of players. It's been a fantastic season and they should be proud of what they have done."