Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles has praised Elliot Anderson after the teenager made his 'fully deserved' Magpies debut.
The 18-year-old made his first professional appearance in black-and-white as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat at Arsenal on Saturday night.
Anderson was introduced in the second half, and his late blocked shot handed Andy Carroll a golden chance to snatch victory in injury time.
It was an impressive showing from the United prospect, and the teenager admitted it was a 'dream come true' in a social media post the following day.
Anderson wrote: "Dream come true to make my debut for my boyhood club, proud moment for me and my family. Keep pushing!"
It was a post which inevitably attracted the attention of hundreds of United fans, and it was one which also earned a response from the club captain.
Lascelles made his return at the Emirates Stadium following a battle with Covid-19, but had to be substituted at half-time due to the ongoing effects of the illness.
The centre-back has been in full first-team training alongside Anderson for several weeks though, and he believes the teenager's cameo in the capital was well earned.
Lascelles posted: "Fully deserved! Been class since you starting training with us! Well done mate."
