Striker reveals 'dream' to play for 'best supporters' at Newcastle United as Matthias Jaissle takes note
Newcastle United teenage forward Vakhtang Salia scored in front of Matthias Jaissle at St James’ Park earlier this week.
Matthias Jaissle hailed Newcastle Uniteds’s youngsters following Monday night’s Under-21s derby win against Sunderland at St James’ Park.
Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia scored an 85th minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory for Newcastle in the Premier League 2 in front of 5,100 supporters.
Jaissle, who called Salia up to the bench in last month’s Premier League win over Hull City, watched on from the stands along with sporting director Ross Wilson.
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The young Magpies trailed 1-0 at half-time following Trey Ogunsuyi’s header before Kyran Thompson drew the home side level. Moments later, Sunderland went back in front through Felix Scott before Robbie Stockdale’s substitutions made the difference.
Park Seung-soo scored a stunning goal from just inside the box moments after coming on before Kyle Fitzgerald and Salia combined for the winner with five minutes of normal time remaining.
Salia had an injury-hit first season at Newcastle following his arrival from Dinamo Tbilisi and admitted his winner at the Gallowgate End was the highlight of his time at the club so far.
“As soon as I came here, I was told that the biggest game and the biggest rival was Sunderland,” Salia told NewcastleWorld. “It was my dream to score against them and I think I fulfilled that.
“It was emotional and I thank everyone who supported us and believed in us, and I think the best supporters are here in Newcastle.”
Salia described Jaissle watching on from the stands as ‘a big motivation’ as the 19-year-old scored his fifth goal at Under-21s level so far this season to put himself in the Newcastle head coach’s thoughts.
Reflecting on his first small taste of Tyne-Wear derby matchday action, Jaissle said: "It was nice and first of all I am happy for the young lads. Getting the opportunity to feel and taste a little bit of that atmosphere and that should give them the vision of where they want to be in a full stadium.
"They did a great job and, of course, derby time is something special and that was already obvious to see that in the under-21 match."