"It's fantastic for them" - Dickman on trio's first-team debuts

Newcastle faced two home friendlies ahead of their 2022/23 Premier League campaign commencing in five days' time against Nottingham Forest at St. James' Park.

Blyth-born striker Stephenson, who joined United's Academy aged 14, was handed his senior bow in Friday's 1-0 win over Atalanta before Muñoz, currently on an 18-month loan from Santos Laguna after joining in August 2021, and De Bolle - who joined United's Little Benton Academy in 2015 - featured as second-half substitutes against Athletic Club 24 hours later.

Dickman told nufc.co.uk: "It was great to see not just for myself but for the whole Academy, from the senior management within it all the way down to the under-9s, as well as the players and parents to show these lads have been given an opportunity that some of them will never forget.

"They've played at St. James' Park in front of really large crowds with the first-team. Even if it's just for a minute, it's still an experience that some people don't get the opportunity to have so it's fantastic for them. 

"It's the whole Academy and a lot of people who have worked really hard for many years with these young players so everyone should be very proud and deserve a lot of credit to get them where they are but we have to make sure that we keep pushing them.

"There's still a long way to go in their footballing development, and their future, for us to hopefully push them harder and improve them even further." 

Newcastle's second-string ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against a Dundee United XI at the University of St Andrews Sports Centre on Monday, with Muñoz and Bondswell - who also featured for the Magpies' first-team during pre-season - on target for the young Magpies in Scotland.

Dickman revealed he has been pleased with his side's unbeaten displays in the build-up to their Premier League 2 campaign beginning on Monday, 8th August when the young Magpies travel to Keys Park, home of Hednesford Town, to face their West Bromwich Albion counterparts (kick-off 7pm BST).

"Apart from the start, I think we did quite well," the UEFA Pro-Licence coach added. "Our intensity was good in terms of how we pressed and our team tactics of what we wanted to do. We got better as the half wore on and got a foot hold on the ball and settled the game down, playing some good stuff and creating chances.

"Their goalkeeper has made some good saves throughout the game and there's plenty of positives within the game. We have to do better with the goals we conceded, which are preventable, but overall I think it's a game we probably should've won.

"The lads have done smashing. There's a programme we're working to that a lot of people are involved with from a staff point of view. Players have responded to that which is good and we have to make sure we are ready for next Monday against West Brom away which will be a tough game. 

"In general, we are pleased with how pre-season has gone."