Confident Wilson glad to get off the mark with debut strike

Callum Wilson has reacted to a memorable Newcastle United debut.

The striker, signed from Bournemouth for £20million this week, scored in a 2-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium along with fellow debutant Jeff Hendrick.

Jamal Lewis also made his debut in the behind-closeddoors season-opener.

Wilson, signed after Dwight Gayle suffered a pre-season knee injury, was a threat in and around the box, and he got Newcastle’s breakthrough in the second half after Hendrick headed on a cross from Javier Manquillo.

Hendrick, signed as a free agent after he left Burnley this summer, scored late in the game. "I seemed to get off to a good start on my debut, and it was a great team performance ,” Wilson told Sky Sports.

“We were solid at the back, and that gave us the platform.

"I’m quite a confident person anyway, and my job is to score goals. I feel this is a great squad with great potential, and I’m trying to be the definitive piece in the puzzle–putting the ball in the net.

"I like this place, I like playing against West Ham. It’s not a disrespectful thing, but I keep scoring against them. It’s about being consistent, and building on this performance for the next game.

"We were well organised, the shape and the way we set up gave us that platform. The reason I joined here was great players in the squad, and I could have had a hat-trick. As long as they keep coming, I'm happy. It’s disappointing that my debut goal wasn't in front of the fans who would have travelled down."

Meanwhile, Bruce hailed debutants Wilson, Hendrick and Lewis – and Andy Carroll – after the victory. Wilson and Hendrick, signed this week along with Lewis, were on target for Bruce’s side against West Ham United.

“All week has been positive,” said Bruce. “I’m particularly pleased for Jeff and for Callum to get off the mark, and the young full-back Jamal Lewis had a good debut too.

"I’m delighted with the attitude against a big strong West Ham team, and I thought the better football came from us.”

Carroll also impressed against his former club after losing weight in the off-season.

“Andy needs a big pat on the back, the way physically he came back, he’s lost 5kg and worked tirelessly,” added Bruce.

“He looked back to somewhere where Carroll can be. He deserved his chance and I’m pleased he took it.”