Shows he won’t be bullied on the pitch

to release experienced players.

There is an air of deja vu here. Coloccini was a sensational player for Newcastle but sullied his legacy in the later years at St James’ Park.

The defender felt promises to build the team and show ambition in the transfer market had been reneged on; Newcastle felt he was handsomely rewarded – the best paid player for most of his time at United – and should just get on with it.

When he left, there was an acknowledgement it had come at least a year too late. Now he is looking for a new club, denied the swansong that he had hoped for. already has at his disposal.

So that ensured just one Newcastle debutant – Atsu aside – in Edinburgh, and even then Lejeune was only introduced at the beginning of the second half.

Usually a new centre-back’s first appearance would not capture the headlines, it would normally be a striker, winger or attacking-midfielder. But the Magpies had nobody new to parade in those departments.

The last Florian to feature for Newcastle was certainly not renowned for his physicality. Far from it, in fact.

Luckily, the early signs indicate that Lejeune will not be from the Thauvin mould – given that he is a centre-back and not a winger, that is essential too.

Jam Tarts striker Cole Stockton was clearly tasked with attempting to bully Lejeune physically, but the new £8.8m acquisition passed the test well – holding off the Hearts forward and even knocking him off the ball on occasion.

In possession, Lejeune – who partnered Chancel Mbemba, and then latterly Grant Hanley, in the heart of defence – looked comfortable on the ball, aside from one nervy backpass, and appeared willing to advance into midfield on occasion too.

He also had a couple of opportunities from attacking set pieces, connecting well from two corners but directing both of them wide.

Interestingly, Lejeune was also sporting the No 20 shirt – previously worn by Yoan Gouffran, who has been offered a new deal by the Magpies but appears destined for Turkey – and he looked immediately at home in the Newcastle side.

Obviously this was merely a 45-minute appearance in a pre-season friendly against a Scottish Premiership side, so very little substance of note can actually be taken away from this match – though, as debuts in friendlies go, this was certainly a positive one.

It may have been a protracted transfer, but hopefully this one pays off in the end and the 26-year-old makes an immediate transition from La Liga to the Premier League.

Benitez needs him to – particularly if the additional signings do not arrive soon...