Matt’s the way to do it, says Lascelles

CAPTAIN Jamaal Lascelles has praised Matty Longstaff for a “fantastic” league debut - and believes Newcastle United have now set the standard following the victory over Manchester United.

The 19-year-old from North Shields enjoyed a dream start to life in the Premier League, firing in the only goal of the game in front of the Gallowgate on Sunday.

Victory lifted the Magpies out of the relegation zone and saw Steve Bruce’s side deliver an immediate response to their humiliating defeat at the King Power Stadium the week prior.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Lascelles has dedicated the three points to those who travelled down to Leicester and praised supporters for the atmosphere at St James’ Park on Sunday.

The club captain said: “They travelled down there to watch us play and we lost 5-0 so we do feel for the fans when things like that happen.

“It’s nice to bounce back and get a result for them. The atmosphere was great on Sunday, they were behind us for the whole game, and it makes a big difference when they do that.

“We’re very thankful for that and we’re just glad that we gave them three points.”

Head coach Steve Bruce rolled the dice following the thrashing at Leicester City and rung the changes.

Ciaran Clark and Allan SaintMaximin were drafted in, but the boldest call was handing Matty Longstaff his Premier League debut against the Red Devils.

Lascelles has praised the matchwinner for his display, and believes United have now set the standard for their performances heading into the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old finished: “The manager made a few changes; we know how hard a job it is for a manager to drop players and put players on the bench, but he’s put Matty Longstaff in there, added Ciaran to the team and obviously Allan (Saint-Maximin) was back in the team, so a few new faces who haven’t really featured this season and they did a great job.

“It was a fantastic debut for Matty - you couldn’t write it - and I was pleased for him and his brother that they were playing together.

“All over the team, we were enthusiastic, energetic, in their faces. We’ve set our standard now and that’s how we always need to play. Nothing less.”