Newcastle United prospect Garang Kuol showed Hearts manager Robbie Neilson what he is capable of with his first International goal. Australia coasted to a 3-1 victory over Ecuador, with the Toon youngster wrapping up the game in the 84th minute.
Kuol has struggled for game time since his loan move up Scotland in January. The 18-year-old is yet to start - or score - in seven appearances, despite Hearts struggling for form in recent weeks.
Bagging for his nation prove the turning point for Neilson to unleash the Magpies' wonderkid on the Scottish Premiership. Signed from Central Coast Mariners, sporting director Dan Ashworth reportedly fended off interest from Barcelona for the forward.
Jamal Lewis also sent a selection reminder to Eddie Howe during Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win over San Marino. The 25-year-old has played just seven Premier League minutes for Newcastle this season.
In January, Lewis was drafted in for the FA Cup clash against Sheffield Wednesday. However, he looked nervous and was ultimately hooked before Newcastle crashed out to League One opposition.
Signed for around £12million in 2020, Lewis has suffered from confidence issues and reports have linked him with a summer move. But his Toon nightmare has not deterred Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill from choosing him for selection.
READ MORE: Newcastle United note book as Magpies discuss idea of feeder club link up
That faith was repaid on Thursday night with an impressive performance against minnows San Marino. Lewis was one of the standout performers and set up Dion Charles for his second goal.
Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier was summoned to see out England’s gritty 2-1 triumph in Naples. The Three Lions impressed in the first half but had to dig deep in the second to claim their first away win over Italy since 1961.
In the latter stages, Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was sent off for a second yellow card. Despite having a left-back, Ben Chilwell, to call upon, Gareth Southgate turned to Trippier to help secure the win.
The Toon’s on-field skipper endeared himself to Newcastle supporters for his cunning, win-at-all-costs antics. His craftiness was on show in the Magpies’ last game when he appeared to be taking a last-minute penalty before handing the ball to Alexander Isak.
Martin Dubravka also kept a clean sheet as Slovakia played out a dull 0-0 draw with Luxembourg. Similarly to Lewis, the goalkeeper remains first choice for his country despite rarely featuring for United.
