Pardew hails Bigirimana

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is predicting big things for teenage midfielder Gael Bigirimana after seeing him turn in a mature Europa League display on Madeira.

The 18-year-old, a summer signing from Coventry, played the enforcing role in the middle of the field as Pardew's much-changed side battled their way to a 0-0 draw against Maritimo.

The manager said: "He is calm, isn't he? There were times when the game got too open, really, for us. We were trying to win it and leaving ourselves a bit open, and it was him nine times out of 10 who was shutting the door and then being calm and composed. This is a boy who is 18 years old. He has got a great future."

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