Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines on Sunday, 4 December.
Alan Shearer praises Newcastle youngster Garang Kuol despite late World Cup miss
Alan Shearer praised Newcastle United youngster Garang Kuol after his late World Cup miss.
Argentinian hearts were in their mouths when the 18-year-old found space inside the area with seconds to go but Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez denied a dramatic equaliser.
The 97th-minute chance would prove Australia’s last as they crashed out 2-1 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Despite the miss, Kuol’s prospects were highlighted when he earned a place in the record books after coming off the bench.
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His 72nd-minute introduction made him the youngest player to play a World Cup knockout game since Pele in 1958.
And despite his late miss, he earned some lofty praise from Newcastle's record goal scorer in the aftermath of Australia's defeat
"He [Kuol] came on as a substitute and didn’t half put himself around, didn’t he?" Shearer said.
"He let the defenders know he was there and I was thinking - 'is this his moment?'"
Callum Wilson backed to ‘step up’ for England in World Cup penalty shoot-out
Callum Wilson's former Coventry City team mate Clinton Morrison has backed the Newcastle United forward to score a penalty should his services be required during World Cup knockout stages.
England take on Senegal in the last 16, aiming to book a place against France or Senegal next week.
A comfortable group stage saw Gareth Southgate’s side emerge as Group B winners, scoring the most goals while conceding the fewest to progress to the knockout rounds. However, the elimination stages provide a fresh challenge should no team find a winner in regulation time - penalties.
And Morrison reckons Wilson's confidence in his own ability will provide England with a boost in any shootout they may face.
"He’s [Wilson] got confidence in his ability," said Morrison.
"I know him from when he was at Coventry, he’s a good lad. He’ll step up because he has confidence in his ability. And I believe if you’re a centre-forward and you take them for your clubs, you’re confident."
Danny Simpson compares Newcastle United success under Eddie Howe to famous Premier League season
Danny Simpson has admitted Newcastle United’s current form is evoking flashbacks from the famous 2011-12 season.
Under Alan Pardew, the Magpies - on a limited budget - took the division by storm to clinch Europa League football. Finishing fifth was the highest league position Newcastle achieved during Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign of discontent on Tyneside.
Simpson, by this point a first-team regular having arrived from Manchester United two years earlier, was a stalwart in the team, making 35 appearances to prove his worth at Premier League level.
"You see Newcastle in the top four this year and that was us in the 2011-12 season," said Simpson.
"When I look back now, I actually think it was a big achievement, to finish fifth in the Premier League and to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League."
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