Sean Longstaff admits he felt like he was on a 'big rollercoaster' when Rafa Benitez turned to tell him that he was about to make his Newcastle United debut.
That was back in December 2018 against Liverpool - a game United lost 4-0 with Longstaff coming off the bench for 15 minutes.
Two weeks later Longstaff was handed his first Premier League start and admits standing in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge left him starstruck.
Speaking to Epic Podcast, he said: "When I came on against Liverpool, we were getting beaten and the game had gone but I remember the manager telling me 'you're going on' and my stomach dropped - it was like being on a big rollercoaster.
"It was unbelievable, that day was amazing.
"Chelsea was then the first time I properly had stood in the tunnel - I looked to my right, and had the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian, Jorginho - you name it they were all there; full of Premier League legends and top international players.
"I remember thinking to myself 'this is it, this is the big time' and walking out to flame throwers and fireworks, that was the most nervous I had ever been for a football game.
"After five minutes, you make a pass or tackle - then it's just a game of football and it's about backing yourself to be good enough to play with them because if you don't, they will run all over you and dominate you."
