Teenage Cumbrian Johnny Emerson has described making his Newcastle United debut as "one of the best feelings of my life."

The 19-year-old from Brampton was handed his first-team bow as a substitute in the Premier League club's recent pre-season friendly at Hull City.

Carlisle-born Emerson came off the bench in front of a 13,670 crowd at the MKM Stadium.

His introduction by manager Eddie Howe followed Emerson's signing of a professional contract with the Magpies this summer.

"It was one of the best feelings of my life when I came onto the pitch and the crowd were cheering," the Cumbrian told Newcastle's official channels.

"To play for Newcastle's first-team in front of 4,500 away fans was an unreal experience, especially with all of my family watching too, so I was proud.

"You're hoping to get the call to come on so you're on your toes waiting for it.

"When it happened, I was excited with a little bit of nerves but I felt confident as soon as I stepped onto the pitch and loved it.

"It made it easier being alongside the lads I've played with at the academy for a few years, improving and progressing as a player and person with. To do it together with them was good."

Emerson, a Scotland Under-19 international, has come through the youth ranks at St James' Park having joined the club from Queen of the South.

He has spoken of his determination to get more first-team action in the future.

"It's been a long but short five years at the club, with lots of ups and downs, but it all felt worth it when I came onto the pitch," Emerson added.

"I didn't want the game to end. When the whistle blew, I was disappointed because I was starting to get a lot of the ball and enjoying myself.

"After that, I feel really motivated to try and get back into that position again."

Emerson will be part of Newcastle's Under-21 squad for the 2024/25 campaign as he continues his development at St James' Park. In his latest outing for the young Magpies he scored the equaliser in a 1-1 pre-season draw with South Shields.