Newcastle United youngster Henry Johnson impressed when given the chance to impress by Matthias Jaissle in pre-season.

Henry Johnson is keen to kick on after impressing for Newcastle United in pre-season.

Matthias Jaissle handed youth an opportunity as he assessed his Toon squad upon arrival. Capable of operating as a centre-back or at full-back, Johnson caught the eye in appearances against Valencia, Everton and Strasbourg.

The Durham native was thrown into the Mestella cauldron in Jaissle’s first game as manager and proved he can handle the Newcastle heat. Johnson has returned to the under-21 fold but is eager to be given another chance at senior level.

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Henry Johnson on Newcastle United debut

“My biggest achievement would be making my senior debut for Newcastle United,” he told the club’s matchday programme. “It was against Valencia at the Mestalla where, funnily enough, I went for a stadium tour with my family about ten years ago.

“I wasn't expecting it but to get 25 minutes at the Mestalla in front of so many fans was ridiculous. That was a really proud moment but I'm not the type to enjoy the experience. I was there purely with the aim of getting onto the pitch. Of course, you've got to take some of it in but my mind was set on making my debut.

“It sounds weird but I would've been disappointed if I hadn't come on the pitch. When you know the work rate you have and the effort you've put in, that's the stuff you want to be aiming for.”

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‘I need more’ - Henry Johnson

Johnson also hailed playing at St James’ Park as a “surreal” experience that has only heightened his desire to break into the team. He added: “Playing at St James' Park was a surreal feeling. I came on against Strasbourg in front of over 34,000 fans. You walk into the stadium before the game, warm up on the side of the pitch and try to take it all in.

“To play at an iconic stadium with such history was exceptional. It was good for me to come off the back of pre-season with over 100 minutes for the first team.

“If you'd said that to me before the start of the season, I wouldn't have believed it. It was a good moment and I wouldn't have had it any other way. But getting those opportunities tells me that I need more of that. One time is not enough because, as soon as you get a sniff of it, you want it permanently.”

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