Lewis McNall has urged Newcastle United academy players to consider non-league loans.
The former Newcastle striker, 22, is now with National League North side Blyth Spartans.
He told Chronicle Live: “Newcastle obviously have a very different side to the one they had when I was there.
“We played very well, but you can see their young lads had talent.
“They need to use the game as part of their development, it won't feel like it, but it will do them the world of good.
“I remember going to Gateshead on loan when they were in the National League and it showed me the other side of the game.
“I learnt from that, I learnt about the physical side, to be streetwise, to do the dirty stuff, I got the knowhow.
“Yes, everyone wants to play in League One or Two on loan, go to big grounds, play former Premier League clubs and be on television every week.
“But going to the likes of Blyth, Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor, they would get so much more out of that, and I know it would help their long-term development."
