Newcastle United U21 manager Peter Beardsley reveals that senior boss John Carver delivered words of encouragement to the youngsters at half time during the Magpies' clash against Middlesbrough U21 on Tuesday.

Newcastle lost out 1-0 following the concession of an early goal in the first half but despite the defeat, Beardsley's men put in a much improved performance in the second period and the former striker has now revealed that the words of wisdom imparted by manager Carver during the break was the main reason behind the turnaround.

Beardsley said: "In the first half them scoring early knocked us.

"At half-time JC (Carver) came in and had a word. We had a word and tried to focus the players' minds. In the second half they played really well."