Rafa Benitez believes Sean Longstaff can be Newcastle's Michael Carrick

Sean Longstaff can be Newcastle United's Michael Carrick but with the legs to get around the pitch, according to Rafa Benitez.

The Magpies boss sees similarities between the Geordie midfielders in the manner of their body shape and ability to spray passes with either foot.

Carrick, now on the coaching staff at Manchester United, never played for his boyhood club. Longstaff, though, has just signed a new four-year contract and has been Newcastle's best player in recent weeks having seized his chance following injuries to Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame.

And, of the 21-year-old, Benitez said: 'I've heard the Michael Carrick comparison and I can see that.

'Carrick, later on, became a holding-midfielder, but at this stage Sean has more mobility and plenty of stamina, he can cover a lot of ground.

'But certainly (like Carrick) he has the technique and can use both feet well. He is also a quiet type and is not someone who loses his head.'

Newcastle entertain Watford in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon and Benitez will name a stronger side than he did against Blackburn in the third round.

And the Spaniard - who has said his club have little chance of winning the competition - at least accepts that their 4-2 victory over Blackburn may have inspired the players before last weekend's 3-0 win against Cardiff.

'Because we beat Blackburn and scored four goals, maybe this was in the head of some players,' he said.

'To win games is always positive. They want to win games, it gives the feel-good factor.' Benitez met with owner Mike Ashley following the Cardiff game but says any discussions about his own future are on hold until after the transfer window.