Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is wary of asking too much too soon of Adam Armstrong.

He is England capped at youth level and Newcastle's coaching team believe he has potential to make an impact at the club after handing him a long-term contract with a pledge he will have opportunities if he continues to progress.

Asked about criticism of his attitude to Armstrong - who made his debut in the Fulham defeat but has not featured in a black and white shirt since - Pardew said: "I think it's a little bit unfair.

"I gave Oxlade-Chamberlain is debut at Southampton when he was 16 or 17. Mark Noble was 16. Jonjo Shelvey was 16 or 17. I don't shy away from young players, in fact, nothing gives me more pleasure.

"Yet I have to protect the welfare of the player. This player is coming into a team at the moment which is not functioning very well.

"I'm not sure he is quite ready to start at this level in his own confidence so I don't want to damage him in any way."