James Perch admits he was surprised, but delighted, to play in the midfield for Newcastle United on the weekend.
The versatile 27-year old was deployed in the centre of the pitch by manager Alan Pardew in the absence of the suspended Cheick Tiote to help the Magpies beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 yesterday and was happy to contribute to the crucial result.
"It was really good," Perch told the club's official website.
"With Cheick suspended, there isn't another player like him in the team. So the gaffer chose to chuck me in there and I enjoyed it.
"It's a massive boost for me personally and shows that the gaffer has confidence in me. It's pleasing for me that he has got that, as I haven't always had that while I have been at Newcastle."
