Aleksandar Mitrovic grasped his opportunity - he always does against Preston North End, after all - by scoring a fifth goal in as many games against the Lilywhites.
The Serbian’s all-round game was also impressive. He held the ball up well, brought team-mates into play, and never stopped running during the 45 minutes he played.
As well as his poacher’s strike, when he followed up after Paul Dummett’s shot was parried to tap home, the 22-year-old also rattled the post with a fierce shot across goal.
If Rafa Benitez is able to bring in the proven top-flight striker he desires then Mitrovic could yet still be sold.
Turkish clubs, as well as Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, are all sniffing around for him.
But at least Mitrovic is being handed the opportunity to force his way into Benitez’s plans.