Steve Bruce admits he upset Joe Willock by dropping him after Newcastle United's painful defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Magpies boss relegated Willock to the bench recently but he has responded with two vital goals after being called on as a late saviour.
Willock netted a crucial equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2-2 draw and then struck the winner against West Ham at St James' Park this weekend.
Bruce said: "The reason we brought him to the club is that he’s got the ability to get forward and score a goa.
"Thankfully, he’s done it again.
"He’s obviously disappointed that he didn’t start because he was right in my thoughts because he’d trained so well.
"We did feel that he’d dropped off slightly, which happens as a young lad.
"But I’m delighted that he’s got the winner for us with how important it’s been."
Bruce feels there is more to come from Willock and he now has a genuine dilemma on whether to start him next week at Liverpool over either Jonjo Shelvey or Sean Longstaff.
He said: "He’s only 21. He’s a hell of a player and a great lad.
"We’d love to keep him here, that’s for sure.
"He’s the type of player that you would love to build your club around, but whether that’s possible, I’m not so sure. He’s had a big impact."
