Newcastle youngster delighted to have faced Odion Ighalo

Newcastle youngster Jay Turner-Cooke has revealed how excited he was to play against Nigerian international Odion Ighalo.

The under-21 star was introduced as the Magpies beat Al Hilal 5-0. He said he was grateful for the opportunity at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

Joelinton opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s team, rising to meet Jacob Murphy’s cross with a superb header, and subsequently doubled Newcastle’s advantage with a powerful shot squirmed past Abdullah Al-Mayouf.

However, Miguel Almirón and Dylan Stephenson scored their first goals for Newcastle United, resulting in a resounding win against Asia’s most decorated club.

Turner-Cooke, who had the opportunity to participate in and observe the match against Ighalo’s team, could not contain his emotions as he revealed his joy at playing against the superstars he grew up watching.

He said to nufc.co.uk, as cited by tribalfootball.com: “To say I’ve made my first-team debut for Newcastle is something you dream of as a kid. To do it at such a young age alongside a lot of my idols I grew up watching was a special feeling.”

He did, however, name a handful of players he was pleased to have played against, including the Super Eagles forward.

“It was great to share that moment with a few of the young lads who I’ve played with for a couple of years in the under-21s group. It was a mad feeling when I was playing against the likes of (Odion) Ighalo in midfield with Joe (White) and Elliot (Anderson).” says the Englishman.

In his nine domestic match appearances for his team, the 33-year-old has scored five goals and contributed one assist.