Martin Jol sent out a message to the youngsters who have succeeded by so far holding down a regular place in the first team this season.
"On average we have a lot of young players. This is Jermain Defoe's first real full season in the Premiership. Stephen Kelly, Michael Dawson and Andy Reid are all in their first seasons in the Premiership. They don't have a lot of experience so they have to improve."
"Now is the time we have to analyse and make assessments. We have long contracts with all our best young players."