Newcastle ace Rolando Aarons played 77 minutes in the defeat to Nottingham Forest – and the club’s supporters were quick to praise him on Twitter.
The 21-year-old attacker started his first game of the season for the Magpies, but was unable to help them suffer a 3-2 defeat to the Championship side in the Carabao Cup.
Rafael Benitez named a weaker side for the cup competition and Tyler Walker’s goal in extra time handed Forest the victory at St James’ Park.
However, there was a positive for Aarons as he scored a thunderous effort from outside of the box which rifled into the top corner.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was also on the scoresheet for the hosts, while Forest striker Jason Cummins netted a brace during 90 minutes.
Newcastle fans did manage to find some positive after the game despite the defeat and feel that Aarons delivered a sound performance.
The attacking midfielder has been cursed with injury during his short career so far and fans believe he can play a major role in the upcoming campaign if he stays fit.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
What have I been saying… start Aarons! Get in lad #NUFC #RA16
— Adam Douglass (@Dougie93) August 23, 2017
Get in Rolando. Needs to play more often #Nufc #Aarons
— Ahm (@Kieronn_A) August 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/TheToonReview/status/900433637073702912
Aarons by far the best player on the pitch so far #NUFC
— Liam Henderson (@l1am_henderson) August 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jackybboy/status/900440658019790848
https://twitter.com/TomClark_5/status/900451276391149569
https://twitter.com/ollie_wilson97/status/900443790443458560
Keep Aarons fit, that the challenge. He's an exceptional talent. #NUFC
— Noocasel NUFC (@noocasel) August 23, 2017
Aarons will now be vying to prove his fitness moving forward and may have one eye on the club’s Premier League game at home to West Ham on Saturday.
The English youngster missed the majority of the 2016/17 season with a knee injury and Wednesday night marked his competitive return after 12 months out.
He quickly got straight back into the action and his technical ability is something fans want to see on a regular basis.
Aarons could now look to compete for a spot in the Benitez’s best starting line-up alongside the likes of Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu and Ayoze Perez.