Dan's debut delight

The youngster – who also celebrated his 20^th birthday on the day of the third round replay – was handed a start by Rafa Benitez along with fellow under-23s squad members Yasin Ben El-Mhanni and Stuart Findlay.

And Gateshead-born Barlaser turned in a composed display in central midfield in front of a crowd of over 34,000 at St. James’ Park, playing the full 90 minutes on his first outing for the Magpies’ senior side.

“It was unbelievable. I just can’t describe it. I’ve been at the club since I was nine, so especially on my birthday, to make my debut in front of all my family, it was just surreal. I just can’t describe how happy I feel,” he told nufc.co.uk.

“I’ve worked so hard since I was nine just for this moment and for this game, so hopefully I can get another couple of appearances under my belt and get into the squad more.

“Before the game they do set pieces, and they were telling the team and he (Benitez) put my name in. The lads were saying ‘no pressure’ and I was thinking it was a bit of banter, but then I came to think about it when I got home and I thought ‘I think I’m starting’.

“And then I was just getting myself ready. Especially to have that on my birthday was just unbelievable, and the crowd were class as well.”

Barlaser has been one of United’s Under-23s’ most consistent performers this term, captaining the side on occasion.

But while he had been named on the bench for the first team in the Capital One Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday and the Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion last season, he hadn’t made it onto the pitch until Wednesday night.

Barlaser said the feeling of walking down the tunnel for the first time as a starter will take some beating.

“It gave me shivers, because I just heard a roar. Wow – that’s all I thought. I was just thinking ‘what’s going on, I’m playing for Newcastle United’!” he said.

“I think I did quite well possession-wise. There were a couple of sloppy passes here and there, but I did a couple of good passes for us to get a couple of good chances, so I think I put myself about quite well.

“People like Jonjo and Cheicky have got bags of experience, so with them behind me, I felt comfortable. It’s a cup match, we haven’t really got anything to lose, so they just said to be yourself and enjoy it, and I did.”

And England Under-18 international Barlaser said that knowing of a coach of Benitez’s stature’s faith in him comes as a big confidence boost as he looks to become a more regular fixture in the first team squad.

“When a manager of his calibre gives me a chance, it’s a huge, huge lift for myself and my career. For him to trust me to play against a Championship side is massive for me,” he said.

“Being a Geordie boy, home-grown and here since I was nine, I’m just trying to follow the likes of Dummy (Paul Dummett) and Shearer who have come up the ranks. Hopefully I’ll get a couple more appearances this season, fingers crossed.”