Forgotten Newcastle United striker Xisco netted a hat-trick for the U21s yesterday in their victory over Stoke City.

Xisco revealed that manager Alan Pardew told him not to "give up" and keep on working hard - something he did last night in front of the 221 people who watched in soaking conditions.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "He just told me I don't need to give up. He said to try hard and do my best and that anything can happen.

"When I came here I was happy to sign, I wanted to play for the first team. I haven't always had that chance. You train hard, do your best and you don't get your chance.

"It's difficult, and you get frustrated. That's why I tried to go back to Spain each season.

"When I came here in the first season, it was difficult.

"We had three or four managers, it was my first season and it wasn't good."