Wijnaldum: 'The Noise Was Amazing'

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Georginio Wijnaldum described the noise inside St. James' Park as "amazing", after netting a debut goal in Sunday's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Southampton.

The Dutch international midfielder, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven last month, headed home Gabriel Obertan's cross at the Gallowagte End, just three minutes into the second half.

That edged the Magpies ahead, after Papiss Cisse had cancelled out Saints front man Graziano Pelle's opener before half-time.

And while Wijnaldum was disappointed that his new side could not hold on for victory - Shane Long nodded Southampton level with time running out - he was delighted with a good point and a promising performance from a new-look United.

"We played very well, especially in the first half," he told nufc.co.uk.

"We created a few chances and if we had scored the goals we would have won the game, easily. Unfortunately that didn't happen but we cannot be too disappointed with a draw.

"Mine was a good goal. We won the ball from their corner, Papiss put it over Gaby and he ran down the line after the ball.

"I sprinted from about 60 metres, Gaby's cross was great and I ran to the front post and put the header the other way, to the far post.

"When the ball left my head I was just willing it to go in, and when it hit the back of the net my first thought was to celebrate with the fans, and with Gaby, too, because it wasn't an easy cross to make.

"The noise in the stadium was amazing. I had heard a lot of good stories about the atmosphere and the songs they sing, so to hear it properly and for my goal, was something special.

"I love to play for fans who really support you and help you win games, and that will definitely be the case here."