Newcastle United reserves coach Alan Thompson was delighted to give local lad Phil Airey a debut in this week's victory over Hartlepool United.
Airey, 18, responded to being handed the No 9 shirt to play on the hallowed St James' Park turf with an assist and two goals.
Thompson told the Evening Chronicle: "It was great for Peter Lovenkrands to get a goal, but Phil Airey picked up an assist and two goals which is fantastic.
"Peter was in the right place at the right time, which he's got a canny knack of doing, and that's good for him. He did himself no harm playing 80 minutes and getting a goal.
"It's great for the young lads like Phil when first-team players drop down to the reserves - it gives them a hand."