Armstrong's Debut Tribute To Grandad

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Adam Armstrong paid tribute to his late grandfather, after completing one of the hardest weeks of his young life with a smile on his face.

Just 48 hours after attending the funeral of his grandad John Armstrong - a former professional with Darlington - the 17-year-old forward was handed his full Newcastle United debut away at Crystal Palace in the Capital One Cup.

And Armstrong excelled at Selhurst Park, with a pair of assists and a performance that belied his tender years, as the Magpies progressed with a 3-2 extra-time victory.

Having made their first goal with a neat pass into the feat of Emmanuel Riviere, who turned and curled home from the edge of the area, the Academy graduate also provided what proved to be the winner, swinging an inch-perfect cross onto the head of Paul Dummett in the 112th-minute.

It was a fine contribution and Armstrong told nufc.co.uk: "I just wish my grandad had been here to see it.

"He was a professional footballer when he was younger, so would have been really proud of me making my full debut for Newcastle.

"It was a really nice moment for me and the family after a tough week.

"I've supported Newcastle since I was a little kid so this means everything. My dad has taken me to games as a fan and has also watched all my matches.

"He was there (at Palace), and it was just amazing to pull on the shirt and play a part for the team, especially from the start."

United boss Alan Pardew gave Armstrong plenty of notice that he would start in the cup tie - time for the former Walbottle Campus Technology College pupil to get his head around the situation.

And while the rookie admitted to a mixture of excitement and nerves, he ended up blocking out the importance of the game and trying to visualise it as a second-string fixture instead.

"I got told on Tuesday morning that I would be starting," said Armstrong.

"I was so pleased to get the chance to show the manager what I can do, and hopefully I did that.

"We went to a hotel before the game and I couldn't get to sleep because I was far too excited. I wanted to be out there straight away.

"I was a bit nervous as well before the game, but I just kept telling myself it was just another game and to bring what I do in the under-21s into the first team.

"You've got to picture it that way and can't get over-awed by it. The pressure is on you and you have to stay calm and keep your nerve."

As it was, Armstrong certainly did keep his nerve against the Eagles, playing a key role in Newcastle's passage through to round four.

"Two assists wasn't bad, I guess," said the modest England Under-18 star.

"For it to go to extra-time was really hard on the lads but we came through in the end and it was a great victory.

"When they scored their equaliser, and then we went down to ten men soon after, it would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves, but we kept our heads up, kept battling and got the goal we needed.

"It shows our spirit. Everyone here is together, working as one to get results and I'm delighted we managed to do it.

"On a personal level, it's all about chipping in for the team and hopefully next time I will be able to get a few goals.

"It would be great to be involved against Manchester City in the next round. The Capital One Cup is great for young players like me to try and impress."