NOT so long ago Newcastle United defender Peter Ramage thought he might have to leave his hometown club in a bid to further his footballing education.

But since injuries have robbed Magpies boss Graeme Souness of several first-team defenders, the 21-year-old has been thrown in at the deep end and his future on Tyneside now looks bright after graduating with honours.

He made his debut as a second half substitute in the Magpies 4-0 UEFA Cup win over Olympiacos.

But, following an injury crisis, Ramage was handed an intimidating first team start in the white-hot atmosphere of Old Trafford, against one of the best wingers in the business - Ryan Giggs.

Although the young defender hasn't looked back since the Manchester United game, he admitted this wasn't always the case revealing how difficult it is for a local lad to make the grade at Newcastle.

He said: "It is hard at a club like Newcastle United because the club has such high expectations and you have to be a hell of a young player to get in to the team.

"Just before Christmas I thought I might have to leave the club or go out on loan. Last season I struggled because I wasn't as big or powerful as Steven (Taylor) and I had to do a lot more work on building myself up.

"And because my body was going through changes my form was dipping. Thankfully I got a chance through injury (to others) and I feel I have done OK since."

The profile of Newcastle United has risen considerably since Sir John Hall invested heavily in the club nearly 15 years ago.

Hall, and Freddie Shepherd, have tried to take a short cut to success and spent heavily in a bid to capture that elusive piece of silverware.

This has made it increasingly difficult for local youngsters to break into the starting XI.

Ramage and Taylor's success this season is all the more remarkable considering the door to the reserve team was blocked by big name signings such as Marcelino and Nikos Dabizas, as well as the Caldwell brothers Steve and Gary.

Although the future looks bright for the pair at the moment they both realise the United manager intends to bring in further high-profile players and they could be knocked down the pecking order once again.

But while Ramage admitted it has been a struggle, it was one that has been worthwhile with the chance to run out on to the hallowed St James' Park pitch.

"To be honest you can't describe the feeling when you're walking out (on to the pitch) and hear Local Hero playing," he said.

"The hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I'm sitting in the stands listening to it but, when you're coming out to it, it is just a surreal feeling.

"I remember Sir John Hall saying he wanted a team full of Geordies and there is a couple of good players coming through from the reserves that are Geordies, so hopefully like us they get their chance as well."

* Rob Hulse looked ahead towards a promotion battle with Leeds next season - with no regrets over quitting a West Brom side he will not be bothered to see relegated.

Leeds have splashed out an initial £800,000 for the striker, who has spent the last three months on loan from Albion, with the fee rising to £1.1m dependant on future success.

The 25-year-old, with six goals in his 13 appearances for Leeds, has signed a three-year contract through to June 2008 just a year after helping the Baggies clinch promotion to the Premiership.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.