Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton says Andy Carroll will be better for the experience of playing at Manchester United in last night's defeat.
Carroll found life tough against Manchester United on Monday night after impressing in Newcastle's Championship-winning campaign last term.
The 21-year-old failed to take a golden opportunity to put the Magpies ahead on their return to the Barclays Premier League and although he worked tirelessly for the remainder of the contest he was unable to make any impression on a sturdy Red Devils defence.
Yet Hughton's faith in the Gateshead-born star remains unshaken and he is sure Carroll will emerge as a better player.
"It was a wonderful experience for the young man," said the Magpies chief. "He is nowhere near the finished article but he is prepared to work hard and wants to learn.
"That was a big step for him. With the quality of his heading you would have to put his opportunity down as a very good chance.
"But there is no fear in his game and he didn't shy away after that.
"Andy is going to learn a lot from that."
