Botman 'excited about what's coming' after Magpies bow

Eddie Howe's men face the Bundesliga outfit at the Kufstein Arena hoping to build on Friday's comfortable 3-0 win over 1860 Munich - the game in which former Lille centre back Botman made his Newcastle bow as a half time substitute.

The Dutchman's cool display was well-received by supporters and afterwards, the 22-year-old told nufc.co.uk that the feeling of making his debut was worth the wait.

"It felt very good - finally - after some weeks training," he said. "It feels very nice to wear the shirt of this club for the first time.

"Of course, when I signed here, you're always looking towards which game is your first one. This is a friendly, and I'm now looking forward to the first game.

"It was just excitement, really. I've been training now for a couple of days with this group and it feels very good, and in an adapting way it has gone fast, which is good for me.

"Now it's just time to see what is each other's strengths and get to know each other more and more. It's all positive points."

Botman signs autographs for United supporters after his debut against 1860 Munich in Austria

Botman's debut came at the end of the Magpies' first week in Austria, which has seen the squad train in some high temperatures as well as take part in team-building events.

And the ex-Ajax youngster believes the trip has been a hugely beneficial one for him and his teammates, who are due to jet off for a second training camp in Portugal next week.

"It's always good because you see each other 24/seven," he said. "It's not the always the nicest time of the year - you get a lot of (physical) training and everything - but it's very good for yourself to get yourself into a new team and get to know everybody, as well as a new system, a new way of training, a new way of playing. It's very good to have these kind of trips.

"It's been quite hot here - I think around 30 degrees - and it's always hard, pre-season is always hard. But it's good for you, to get ready for the league, and we are all excited for that. Everybody is working hard."

Goals from Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimarães handed Howe's men victory at SaalfeldenArena Bürgerau, a result Botman felt brought "some things to work on, but mainly positive points".

Also notable from the win over the 3. Liga side was the travelling Newcastle supporters' vocal support for Botman after he entered the fray at half time - something which wasn't lost on the Holland Under-21 international.

"It was good, of course, when the fans are backing you, supporting you. It feels so good, of course," he said.

"It's always nice to know that they are there, behind you. I have heard so many good stories about them. I'm so excited to see them in the stadium. I heard also that the friendlies (against Atalanta and Athletic Club) are already almost filling up? It's crazy. I'm just excited about what's coming."