Newcastle United legend Rob Lee says he "loves" the Magpies' brothers in arms Sean and Matty Longstaff.
And amid talk of the pair being in discussions for new contracts, Lee feels that the duo will be an integral part of the future going forward at St James' Park.
Lee bossed the Toon midfield during the Entertainers era and played alongside local lads like Lee Clark and Steve Watson.
The ex-England man feels that retaining Geordie talent is essential and he's been impressed with both brothers.
Lee told the Chronicle: "I love them both. When I first came up here Sir John Hall told us he wanted a team of 11 Geordies.
"It's great to see a team of local lads. We had Steve Watson, Lee Clark, Robbie Elliott, Steve Howey and Alan Neilson. We had a lot of local lads."
Now Lee hopes the club hold on to the pair, and added: "We haven't had many in recent years and it's great to have them in. And the thing is they are both very good footballers."
Sean has one more game of his three-match ban to go and will miss the trip to Aston Villa.
But Matty will go into the clash on the back of an England Under-20 call-up after making his debut in a 4-0 win over Portugal.
The teenager will also face Iceland at Wycombe next week.
