Adam Armstrong’s two goals gave Newcastle United’s Under-21s a 2-1 win over Aston Villa last night.
And fellow forward de Jong stepped up his comeback from a collapsed lung with a 72-minute run-out at Villa Park.
On-loan striker Facundo Ferreyra, yet to play a competitive senior game for the club, also hit the woodwork twice as Peter Beardsley’s side claimed their first win of the year.
Armstrong came off the bench in Sunday’s home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and the 18-year-old will be in head coach John Carver’s thoughts this week ahead of Swansea’s visit to St James’s Park.
Carver – who said last week that Armstrong was not ready for the Premier League – is contemplating changes to a team which has lost its last six games.
After the game, Armstrong said on Twitter: “Unbelievable performance from the lads tonight! Great 2-1 win against Villa! Glad to grab 2 goals! Thanks for the messages.”
Harry McKirdy gave Villa a 31st minute lead, but Armstrong quickly levelled, and the England Under-18 international netted what turned out to be the winner just past the hour mark.
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Woolston, Sterry, Laidler, Kemen, Williams, Satka, Barlaser, Ferreyra (Heardman, 81), Armstrong (Roberts, 89), De Jong (Gilliead, 72), Smith. Subs not used: Gillesphey, Pearson.