Steve Bruce has revealed how Callum Wilson was "upset" with his decision to substitute him late in the game against Everton.
The Magpies beat Everton 2-1 thanks to Wilson's brace but the player was eager to grab a hat-trick at St James' Park.
Afterwards, on an interview with the club's website, he gestured that Gareth Southgate should be listening in on any praise.
Bruce said: "He got upset that I took him off with five minutes to go. He’s crucial to us. He’s given us that cutting edge which a goalscorer has.
"To have six already matches, I think, our top scorer last year.
"You can imagine what kind of lift he’s given to everybody."
Bruce had persuaded Mike Ashley to pay £20million for his services, something he paid lip service to in his post-game Press conference.
Bruce added: "I think that’s his second or maybe third goal he’s scored inside the six-yard box.
"He’s there. I think that’s the difference, the instinct. He wants to score a goal."
And reflecting on the win overall, Bruce said: "For me, we deserved the victory against a really good Everton team who started really well and were top of the league.
"We’ve got to be very, very pleased. Tactically, especially against an Everton team with (Carlo) Ancelotti in charge, the players got it spot on.
"They defended really, really well, and had a threat the other way too."
