Kieran Trippier has thanked Newcastle United fans for their 'great reception' despite the January signing's debut ending in defeat.
The England international's arrival from Atletico Madrid was confirmed on Friday, and Eddie Howe handed the 31-year-old a start just a day later in the FA Cup third round.
Trippier delivered a solid display on his black-and-white debut, but the hosts succumbed to a shock home defeat to League One outfit Cambridge United.
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Joe Ironside capitalised on a Martin Dubravka error just before the hour mark to score the only goal of the game, and the hosts struggled without a recognised striker to threaten an equaliser.
Trippier urged several of his new team-mates after the full-time whistle to applaud the sellout St James' Park crowd despite the loss.
The former Burnley and Tottenham full-back took to Instagram to thank supporters for their warm welcome, and insists the team have to prepare for an 'important' week of training ahead of a crucial clash against relegation rivals Watford.
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Trippier posted: "Thank you everyone for the great reception today. Obviously, that wasn’t the result anyone was looking for.
"All we can do now is focus on a really important week of training ahead of the Watford game."
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One Newcastle fan replied: "You were great Kieran! Keep up like that and motivate your mates for the next match!"
Another supporter commented: "Our best player today, not the result [we] wanted for a debut but put in a shift and you'll be loved."
