Armstrong Quality Or Flavour Of The Month?

Last updated : 29 September 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

Pardew handed the teenager his full debut last week but he is likely to be on the bench against Stoke City.

Alan Pardew: “I think, with young players – and I’ve had some exceptional young players – they need to grow. Their confidence grows.

“If Arma had come off after 15 minutes the other night, it would have been a disaster. He really didn’t play well, and looked nervous.

“But after that period, he did one moment. In a central area of the pitch, he did a smart turn and switched it wide.

“Suddenly, you could see his confidence lift.

“For him, it’s not about his body. Physically, I think, he’s ready.

“It’s about his confidence. Has he got the ability to deal with setbacks in games?

“He answered that question a bit the other night.

“It would have been easy for him not to have played well for the whole of the first half after that start.

“That’s given me confidence in him that he can handle these siutations.

“In training, all the guys probably know he’s got a bit to do, but he’s getting there,” said Pardew.

“We’ve got to make it right for him. Make the atmosphere right for him to play, but it does really come down to Arma’s strength of mind.

“But from what I’ve seen, I think Arma’s got that. I’ve seen the same in Jonjo Shelvey – a belief that he was going to be a player.

“He thinks he’s going to be a good player.”