Daniel Barlaser shares what Rafael Benitez told him before making his Newcastle debut

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Newcastle United’s Daniel Barlaser has commented on his debut for the club.

Newcastle United youngster Daniel Barlaser has told the Shields Gazette that it was ‘unbelievable’ to make his debut for the club against Birmingham City on Wednesday evening.

The Magpies were in FA Cup action at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, as they hosted Birmingham City in a third round replay having drawn the first game 1-1 at St Andrews.

Rafael Benitez chose to rotate much of his side from the team that beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, but it made little difference as Newcastle ran out 3-1 winners at St James’ Park.

Matt Ritchie got the ball rolling after nine minutes, before Yoan Gouffran added a second before the break. David Cotterill hit back for Birmingham on 71 minutes, but Newcastle sealed their passage into the fourth round as Ritchie slotted home an injury time penalty.

In Benitez’s rotated side, there were debuts for Stuart Findlay, Yasin Ben El-Mhanni and Daniel Barlaser, with the Newcastle boss putting his faith in youngsters.

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez

Barlaser actually turned 20 on Wednesday, and celebrated his birthday by starting in the Newcastle side, playing the full 90 minutes on a dream evening for the midfielder.

After the game, Gateshead-born Barlaser spoke to the Shields Gazette, and admitted that it was unbelievable that Benitez trusted him to play against a Championship side.

Barlaser – who has represented both England and Turkey at youth level – added that Benitez told him to just keep running, keep pressing the Birmingham defence and to enjoy his debut.

“It was unbelievable,” said Barlaser. “Because of the calibre of the manager he is, he makes it a joy. To trust me to play against Birmingham, a team from the same league, is unbelievable. It was surreal. To make your debut on your birthday at the club you’ve been at since the age of nine is a proud moment for me and my family.”

“He just said: ‘Run’,” said the academy product. That’s it, just to press and enjoy it, which is what I did. As a team we were just told to press them high,” he added.