Cross bidding to bag back-to-back wins

United's second-string take on their Baggies counterparts at Albion's Training Ground (kick-off 2pm BST) and head into the Division Two clash in high spirits after recovering from a goal down to beat Fulham 2-1 on Monday, with Cross making his debut at St. James' Park as a second-half substitute.

The South African centre-back, who recently joined the Magpies and has this week been joined at Little Benton by 23-year-old Florent Indalecio following a successful trial, was delighted to get off to a winning start for his new club.  

The 19-year-old told nufc.co.uk: "It felt really good to make my debut for Newcastle, especially at St. James' Park. I've always wanted to play in England and I really enjoyed playing at such a big stadium. Just being in the stadium, where the first-team usually play, was a really good feeling.

"It was a tough first-half after conceding. We kept trying and trying in the second half and I think we eventually got we deserved against Fulham and scored some pretty good goals.

"It's been quite a while since I last played due to Covid-19 but I've been working hard and I couldn't wait to get back on the pitch. I was very happy to finally get the opportunity to play.

"Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark were playing in the game and they are very experienced defenders so I was watching them closely in the game. To see their style of play and the difference from the English game to when I played in Germany (after two years on loan at Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04) was good and I learnt a lot.

"After coming back from a goal down to winning 2-1 and having a good week in training, I feel like all the guys are really confident heading into the game at West Brom.

"We're working hard this week and we will be going there to try and get the win. We are confident at the moment and aim to give 110 per cent. It would help to get back-to-back wins and there's been a good mood lately so let's hope we can get the win to continue that."

Cross, a representative of his country at under-20 level, was out of contract in June from South African club Bidvest Wits but linked up with United's under-23 squad after completing a successful trial.

The centre-back revealed it has been a memorable maiden week on Tyneside and was thankful for the strong welcoming from his new supporters.

"I've enjoyed my first week so much," the teenager added. "The players and coaching staff are all very nice and I couldn't ask for more - I'm really enjoying it!

"Chris (Hogg) and Peter (Ramage) were ex-defenders themselves which helps quite a bit in training because they know what to do. They have a lot of experience so they help us out if we are doing something wrong and whether we should be doing something else instead so we are able to improve."

"I've received lots of messages on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The fans kept saying 'Welcome to the toon!' and 'Congratulations!' which has been really nice.

"I was a big fan of the Premier League growing up and watched a lot of matches. I always remember (Papiss) Cissé's volley for Newcastle against Chelsea, which flew into the top corner. It was an amazing goal!"