Neil Redfearn has piled the praise on Newcastle United's Under-23 team after they pulled away from the foot of the table this week.
A 2-0 win over Sunderland in Eppleton has now put eight points between the two North-East clubs with the Wearsiders' tag of having a better youth policy now coming under strain due to their League One status.
But Redfearn underlined the significance of the victory for a different reason as he battles on with a clutch of teenagers with so many fringe players out on loan this season.
Indeed, Elias Sorensen, Kell Watts and Nathan Harker were the spine of the team last season, but are all currently out on loan deals.
Liam Gibson and Dan Barlaser are also spending time away from Newcastle this term while Sean and Matty Longstaff are now first team regulars, which means the second string has a much different look.
Redfearn has thrown in teenagers like Jack Young, Joe White, Elliot Anderson, goalkeeper Dan Langley, Oisin McEntee and Lewis Cass in at the deep end this term.
After the win against Sunderland, Redfearn said: "With this group, we have a lot missing with players injured or out on loan which makes a difference.
"I feel like a broken record saying that every week, but it's a fact, and it makes a difference.
"In saying that, these lads who turn out have to take a lot of credit.
"It's a busy schedule with a lot of games one after another and they've really applied themselves in training and games.
"We're going in the right direction.
"We've had a couple of hits with results but it's about making this group better and they are starting to learn a bit more.
"It's our second clean sheet in three games and they're starting to get the message and take things on board.
"Winning is always important because it breeds confidence."
Former Leeds boss Redfearn has utilised his resources well this term and has converted Jamie Sterry into a central midfielder.
The full-back is earning a first team wage but was not handed a squad number this summer.
With his contract nearing an end, he is fighting to impress watching scouts with Scunthorpe United sending a representative to Eppleton this week to run the rule over a clutch of players from both sides.
Reflecting on a midfield that also includes promising Academy product Jack Young, who has been compared to former Leeds star Lewis Cook,and Liberia international Mo Sangare, Redfearn said: "Jack Young has been outstanding and Mo Sangare is also doing well.
"I keep banging on about Jack but he's such a talented young player that gives you energy.
"He almost a throwback to how midfielders used to play, so it's heart warming to see.
"Having Jamie Sterry in there as an insurance works perfectly.
"He's a kid who is highly talented and has good experience.
"The midfield three were prominent."
Redfearn has also got to work with Luke Charman who is the second string's top scorer with four goals this term.
The Toon coach said: "Strikers always breed on goals, it's a confidence thing.
"I thought his general play was good - he held the ball up and ran the line well.
"You've got to remember he was up there on his own but we got midfielders running around him well."
