Florian Lejeune showed "real class" after stepping down to the Under-23s to make his comeback from a knee injury - according to Toon coach Neil Redfearn.
The Frenchman played as centre-back alongside promising youngster Ludwig Francillette and encouraged those around him in the second string.
Lejeune played just 45 minutes of the Premier League 2 draw with Middlesbrough before going off in a pre-arranged substitution.
Redfearn told Chronicle Live: "He showed some real class at times and was very good.
"He is an outstanding player and some of his touches were excellent.
"He stepped in and out of defence and played passes through were great.
"None of the goals were down to him.
"He did really well to play that length of time considering he's been out for so long."
Lejeune later spoke to the club TV channel in a brief interview and added: "I am happy to be playing again after six months.
"I'll keep going now and aim for the first team and training.
"It was very difficult for me.
"I worked for six months every day.
"I am enjoying playing again and I'm happy.
"It was exciting to be in a game as training is different.
"I am just happy to play again."
