Beresford told the Chronicle: “It was great to see him get his new contract because he really deserved it for all his hard work. For me he is probably Newcastle’s best defender. I think his best position is in the middle of a back three and that 3-5-2 formation really suits him. He’s done very well but I still think he can improve further - especially going forward. Perhaps the manager puts the brakes on him a little bit and allows DeAndre Yedlin to push forward instead on the other side. And sometimes the trouble is at St James’ Park you are getting willed forward and the manager may be telling you to stay back. Perhaps we’ll see in the future what will happen in terms of him going on the overlap. I’d love to see him bomb on a bit more because I think that would help Kenedy in front of him.
“Having the local lads in the squad is so important and it’s great that Paul has made it. I have met his dad and he is so proud. You need local people at Newcastle because they are the heart and soul of the club. Once he did sign that contract it showed everybody at else at the Academy if you do well then you one day might get that reward.”