Newcastle United head coach Mick Wadsworth hailed Stephen Glass after the Scot capped a super-sub display with a stunning goal against Derby County last night.

The former Aberdeen winger had a packed St James' crowd on its' feet when he curled in a beautiful left foot effort from fully 25 yards after 55 minutes of an exciting 3-2 victory.

Glass turned on the style for Newcastle after coming on as a replacement for the injured Carl Cort.

Last season was something of a nightmare for the player, who missed a lot of the campaign through injury, and also slapped in a transfer request after becoming frustrated at the lack of first team opportinities.

But that request was withdrawn in the summer and Glass has now staked his claim for a regular place after last night's exciting display.

Wadsworth said: "We're all delighted for him. He had a poor season last time, not particularly through his own fault but because of injuries.

"But this was the fittest I have seen him since I came to the club and he looked terrific last night. It's great to see him back to the level of performance he was giving a couple of seasons ago and this gives us heart because left-sided players are so difficult to find.

I've never seen him play as effectively as he did last night. He had a great chance in the first half but he put the brakes on and I said to him at half time to give himself a yard and get his shot away.

And he certainly pulled the trigger when he got his chance in the second half."

Glass himself admitted: "I was lucky to get my chance last night because of Carl Cort's injury.

I came off the transfer list in pre-season and I'm delighted I did. I would have hated to have thrown away my chance here because it's a great place to play. Now I must nuckle down and force my way into the team. It's up to me"

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000