Steve Bruce insists he was always confident that Joelinton would be able to end his goal drought in the Toon No 9 shirt.
The Brazilian ended a five-month barren spell with a late strike against Rochdale, but now Bruce is hoping more will follow in the Premier League.
Joelinton's next test will be against Chelsea on Saturday night at St James' Park.
Bruce said: "There's an expectation on you and if you have a big transfer fee – which is not his fault – and you are young and the burden that comes on you, then sometimes it becomes difficult.
"You never worry because you can see him in training and you can see what he's got.
"Many, many players have come to the Premier League as well with big experience and find it a struggle, so let's hope it just gives him that bit of confidence which every striker needs.
"You saw the difference in him straight away.
"From the last five minutes to the first five minutes, you saw it straight away because he scored a goal."
Joelinton repaid Bruce's faith in him by sharing the moment with him against Rochdale.
The £40million man sprinted directly towards his manager in the dugout.
Bruce said: "I was absolutely worried sick that he was going to come and jump on me because that would have done me in!"
