Newcastle United star is 'great asset' as critics silenced - 'Welcome back'

The Magpies will progress to the Champions League play-offs to secure a spot in the knockout rounds

The Newcastle United team pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)

Newcastle United were able to fend off French giants PSG for a draw on Wednesday night, progressing to the Champions League play-offs for a chance to enter the last 16 - and some fans in the Chronicle Live comments section were mightily impressed by the display of one normally unheralded player.

Nick Pope saved a penalty conceded in the second minute for a handball by Lewis Miley, but PSG's Vitinha was able to slot one past him shortly afterwards, with Eddie Howe's team having to withstand an enormous amount of pressure early on. It was Joe Willock who equalised, with Dan Burn nodding it down after a poor attempt from the home team at clearing Sandro Tonali's free kick.

Neither side could grab the winner in the end, with Newcastled getting their own penalty shout waved away by the referee in the first half, and Willock having a goal after the break chalked off for offside.

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Both teams go into the pot for the two-legged play-off to decide who joins the top 8 teams from the league phase of the competition. United will play either Monaco or Qarabag, with the games being played in the back half of February.

There was one player who was the talk of the town by the end of the hard-fought duel. Reader Tab4442 says: "Willock at his best, running at and through midfield and defences into goal-scoring positions. Deceptively quick and carries the ball well, with an eye for goal. If the lad can get a run of games and maintain his fitness levels, he is a great asset for us in the ranks. Welcome back bonny lad!"

Commenter BeardsleyTheBest writes: "A great result and performance against the European champions, proving we deserve to be there. Don't rate Willock at all, but this was his best game in years."

Paranoidandroid says: "Superb performances all round! Willock was fantastic, and Ramsey and Elanga must have silenced a few critics after the shifts they both put in! Sandro ran himself into the ground as he often does and Dan Burn was back with a vengeance! Don't you just love the Champions League?!"

Truthofthematter writes: "Yeah Joe Willock was brilliant tonight, not much in that offside. Great performance after a very testing start... and terrible officials!"

The penalty shouts were decisive, says Petrus: "Neither were pens but, having given one, another should have been given. Well done Pope & Willock, who have had some criticism recently. A hard-fought game which we were unlucky not to win."

Countarthurstrong2 writes: "Well played lads, you did us and yourselves proud, and a big mention to Willock and Ramsey, their best games of the season." MealyWC3441 agrees: "Really pleased for Joe Willock, well played."

Looking at the night as a whole, Axepete says: "I am massively proud of the lads tonight for an outstanding performance. Every single player who pulled on the shirt was awesome in their efforts. I have criticised Eddie for his selections and his tactics, but tonight I salute him, as he had the guts to try something different which almost got us the victory we deserved.

"So 'Well done Eddie', you did everything you could and we almost pulled off a miracle."

RoccoRocco adds: "Brilliant performance by all the players. Unlucky not to win it with the couple of Barnes chances. Still we fight on."

Using the comments section below, tell us if Joe Willock has a future in this Newcastle United team.

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