Promising defender Haydn Hollis was delighted to make his full return to first team action on Wednesday night but felt that he deserved his chance.
Hollis, 20, was handed only his second ever start in the black and white stripes in the 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient at Meadow Lane.
The youth team graduate was a surprise inclusion in the starting 11 but was named as the Fans’ Man of the Match at the final whistle.
Hollis’ last start for the Magpies was back in January 2012, when he impressed by marking Scotland international striker Jordan Rhodes in a 2-2 draw with Huddersfield Town.
The centre-back was very self-critical of his comeback performance against the O's, but was happy to have broken back into the side.
Hollis is now out to hold onto his spot, which he feels will be an even tougher task.
“It’s good to be back, that’s what I like and that’s why I’m here, to be playing football,” told the press.
“I know I can do it, but I’ve got to carry on proving that and hopefully get my run in the team.
“I think I’ve deserved my chance because I’ve worked hard and trained well and I think Chris [Kiwomya] can see that.
“It was a long time since my last game and I thought I did better that day than I did this time.
“I thought I got caught out on that goal a little bit – I got caught on the wrong side – but I’ll learn from that.
“I don’t think I’ve done too bad but it’s the first competitive game I’ve played this season, so it’s going to take me some time to get back into it.
“Reserve games are good for you to keep your legs going but there’s nothing like first team football and playing for three points.”
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