Anthony Gordon sat in the St James' Park stands at full-time with a look of bewilderment across his face. His new Newcastle United team-mates had just booked their place in the Carabao Cup final and were taking part in their usual post-match, victory-soaked lap of honour.
Eddie Howe said Gordon being in attendance would be 'useful experience' for the £40m addition. For more reasons than one it certainly felt like the perfect game to watch on as a new signing.
Before the game, Howe said: "It will be a really useful experience for him tomorrow to sample the atmosphere. It's totally different when you're watching from the stands than it is to playing and feeling it on the pitch, but it will give him an idea of what's in store for him.
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With the players applauding the Gallowgate End before heading towards the changing room to continue their celebrations, 'Hey Jude' was blasted out over the speaker system. 'Na, na, na.... Geordies' was the cry from all four corners of the ground. Gordon seemed to nod along to the tune trying to figure out what word was being sung at the end. It is a chant he will come to know well and hopefully love in the years to come.
In another fine touch from the Geordie faithful, the former Everton star had his name sung from the terraces at various points in the evening. 'Oh Anthony Gordon!' was the cry after he was unveiled before the game.
For a 21-year-old, hounded out of his boyhood club, to arrive at this venue, to that reception, on a night like Tuesday, must be fantastic. It will do wonders for his confidence as he prepares to make his debut in black and white in the near future.
"What a welcome!" Gordon wrote on Twitter after the game. "My first few days in the Toon have been special… from the people in the city to the fans in the stadium, everyone has been so welcoming. Can’t wait to play in front of you all & cheer on the boys at Wembley!!!"
During the game, the attacker also posted an Instagram story letting his followers know that he had 'goosebumps' before kick-off, as 51,000 Newcastle fans waved their scarves in unison.
The tide already feels like it has turned for Gordon - before a ball has even been kicked. Original scepticism over his arrival has faded massively and the Geordie faithful have welcomed him into the club with open arms.
If he can back his positive words off the pitch with impressive performances on it, he will become a hero on Tyneside. And there'll be plenty more nights for him to experience those goosebumps at St James' Park.
