Diallo determined to earn his Spurs

United’s second-string travel to the Lamex Stadium, home of League One side Stevenage, ahead of facing their Spurs counterparts and will be bidding for back-to-back league victories after claiming a 5-3 win against Southampton, recovering from a two-goal deficit inside seven minutes, in their maiden fixture of the 2023/24 season.

Diallo, who sparked Newcastle's revival against the Saints after netting from the penalty spot, praised his side for their strong comeback as well as reflecting on his bright start in front of goal.

The 20-year-old winger, capable of playing on either flank, told nufc.co.uk: “I think it’s really important that we are positive as a team. It was a very good start to get the three points as our goal against Southampton was to get the win. We did that and now we have to carry on and keep that positivity we have.

“We were very pleased to score five goals, especially coming from 2-0 down. The lads showed great character, we stuck to our game plan and it eventually worked as we got three points.

“It was tough conceding twice early on but every player that was on the pitch gave 100 per cent for us to be able to come back in the first-half and lead before half-time which was good. Going into the changing rooms at the break, it was a completely different mood and environment following the goal by Charlie (McArthur).

“It gives me a lot of confidence being able to score in the first game (of the season) and, hopefully, I can continue that form this season. I definitely feel I’ve got a lot stronger during the off-season and pre-season too. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of doing and improving on my stats."

Newcastle face a Spurs side who have also made a winning start in the Premier League 2, recording an emphatic 5-0 away win against 2022/23 Premier League 2 Division One champions Manchester City last weekend.

Diallo, who joined the Magpies in October 2022 following a successful trial, spent his youth career at West Ham United before his departure in the summer of 2022 and is relishing the encounter against the Hammers’ local rivals.

The former England under-17 international added: “When I was at West Ham, Spurs was my favourite team to play against. I support West Ham, too, so I’m really looking forward to it and trying to get a win against them.

“I think we’ll all be ready. They’ll be a good team so we have to be at 100 per cent against them and make sure we start the game a lot better than our previous one.

“In some games, when you’re two-nil down, some teams might kill you off so we need to start well. We need to play our own game, stick to the game plan that we’ve practiced during the week and go out to the pitch and aim to copy that in the game."