Alan Shearer has rewarded Dan Burn for his stellar Newcastle debut by naming the defender in his Premier League team of the week.
Blyth-born Burn - released by the Magpies as an 11-year-old - returned to his boyhood club in January from Brighton for around £13million.
He was an unused substitute for last Tuesday’s 3-1 triumph against Everton but replaced captain Jamaal Lascelles for the clash against Aston Villa, who missed out due to illness.
The 6ft 7in defender repaid Eddie Howe’s faith in him with a man-of-the-match performance as Newcastle cruised to a vital 1-0 victory at St James' Park.
Iconic number nine Shearer was impressed with the 29-year-old’s performance as Newcastle kept their second clean sheet in three games.
"What a moment for the Geordie,” he told the Premier League website.
“A commanding display on his debut for his boyhood club."
Burn’s inclusion sees him line up alongside Man City’s Raheem Sterling, Everton’s Donny van der Beek and red-hot West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen in Shearer’s team
Toon supporters were quick to approve their legendary goalscorer’s selection on social media.
One even hailed Burn’s display as ‘the best defensive debut’ he had seen from a player in Newcastle colours.
@AngelNUFC: Fully deserved, the best defensive debut I've watched live for us.
@PotterNUFC: Burn, Dan Burn… Geordie Inferno
@JOE_NUFC_: BURN BABY BURN
@bazza080808: Massively deserves this. A Debut to remember.
2adam_Hassan909: Roses are red, Dan Burn stands tall, it’s Kieran Trippier, over the wall.
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