Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon was impressed by Newcastle's rookie striker Andy Carroll in Sunday's 2-0 reverse on Tyneside.

"Carroll played like what we call in Italy a paintbrush striker, he was there to add the finishing touch," Buffon told the Evening Chronicle.

"He played well on his own and although Newcastle were aiming for his head with some of their passes, he showed he can play with his feet too because he laid the ball off excellently to the supporting midfielders.

"He will be an asset because he can find the players around him in different ways and has already shown he has great awareness."

Meanwhile, Carroll revealed his Geordie pride after bagging his goal yesterday.

The 18-year-old from Gateshead had barely touched the ball when he came off the bench for injured Albert Luque, but he polished off his chance with flying colours to beat Buffon.

Carroll said: "It was fantastic to score my first goal, especially against such a good team and at St James' Park.

"It's a great feeling to go out and hear the fans cheering when the ball hit the back of the net.

"It was a good strike by Oba and it landed straight in front of me. I took a touch and the only thing I thought was to hit the target.

"It was a good strike and I am happy.

"It's been great playing a few games in pre-season, and for me to score my first goal where I wanted to, which was at St James'."