Archive
Bittersweet Home Bow For Rookie Armstrong
Written by Newcastle Utd
Teenager Adam Armstrong spoke to nufc.co.uk after making his Magpies' home debut in Saturday's defeat against Swansea
By Tom Easterby
Adam Armstrong couldn't hide his delight after making his St. James' Park debut against Swansea City on Saturday.
The Newcastle-born youngster, who only turned 17 in February, came on for Dan Gosling with ten minutes remaining to make his third senior appearance, adding to recent cameos at both Fulham and Stoke.
Though the game ended on a sour note as Wilfried Bony's stoppage-time penalty condemned the Magpies to defeat, Armstrong insists the experience of gracing the hallowed turf for the first time is one that he won't forget in a hurry.
"It felt amazing to get out there," he told nufc.co.uk following the final whistle on Tyneside.
"Like I always say, it's a boy's dream to play at St. James' Park and I'm really happy, but at the end of the day it's about the results and we didn't get that so everyone's gutted.
"I had all my family and my friends here watching me which is just what you want really, it's a really good feeling.
"It was a buzz, they were clapping when I was coming on. It was amazing, there's nothing else I can say."
The England Under-17 international has now set his sights on United's next fixture - away at Arsenal on Monday, 28th April - and hopes to play a part at the Gunners' magnificent Emirates Stadium.
But, wherever the game, Armstrong is just enjoying the challenge of establishing himself in the first team squad.
"I'm just looking to work hard this week in training, and hopefully I can get in the squad for next week," said the striker, who is due to feature for England at this summer's European Under-17 Championships in Malta.
"If I do get on, that's just a massive plus and it'd be amazing to play at the Emirates.
"I see it as a challenge. Obviously I came on against Stoke last week and got a few touches of the ball, and got a few touches of the ball (against Swansea), so it's great. I've just got to keep working hard in training and hopefully keep getting in the squad."
With three games left of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League camapign, the native Geordie still has a number of opportunities to impress before the season's end. A first start, he hopes, won't be too far around the corner.
"Maybe - we'll see how things go in training, see that I'm working hard, see what the gaffer thinks, and hopefully I can, but you never know."