Alan Pardew has told Shane Ferguson that he will be more involved in the first team next season ... and I don't think that is a surprise to season ticket holders at St James' Park.
The kid has a fire in belly that takes me back a long, long time to David Craig back in the 1960's and 1970's.
And you know something - I love the kid! He has a grit and determination that looks like a pure passion for Newcastle United FC - just like we saw in recent years with Lee Clark and Robbie Elliott.
I still don't know how to take Santon.
It took him six months to make his debut because he told Pardew "I'm not ready", and there are constant rumours that he is looking for a return to Italy.
Although he talks a lot about his time with Jose Mourinho, the 'Special One' sent him out on loan, saying he needed to "toughen up" ... and for a defender he goes to ground far too easily for my liking.
He could mature into a world class player - and that's what we hope.
But Ferguson looks more the part (in my humble opinion). He can play at left back, or on the wing, and the 20-year-old has shown the supporters what a fabulous prospect he is.
The Northern Ireland international was sent on with an attacking brief in some games, and a defensive role in others.
And Pardew sees Ferguson’s versatility as a strength, not a weakness.
Pardew: “I don’t think it matters to him.
“I think he can play wherever I put him, a bit like Jonas (Gutierrez) has proven at central midfield, left back and wide up on the left of a front three.
“Shane will get more involved. Ferguson’s a player who’s knocking on the door strongly.”