Dusk was closing in by the time Andy Carroll finally rose from the bench to make his second debut as a Newcastle United player, yet there was still time for the returning hero to offer a tantalising glimpse of what might be possible, if only he can stay fit.
Carroll did not score and Steve Bruce’s side were still jeered off but his disruptive, nuisance-packed presence proved sufficient to spread doubt and uncertainty among the previously assured visitors, who had early threatened to win at a canter.