Newcastle United youngster Santiago Munoz continued to build up his match fitness after making his home debut for the club’s Under-23s side.
The young Magpies beat Birmingham City 1-0 last night thanks to a late Dylan Stephenson strike and took all three points in the Premier League 2 Division Two clash.
The 19-year-old Mexican joined the Magpies on an 18-month loan from Mexican top-flight side Santos Laguna in August and he made his under-23s debut last month.
After overcoming a long-term injury, Munoz – who played 61 minutes against Birmingham – believes he is on the road to regaining full fitness as well as learning to adapt to playing in a different country.
The teenager may be learning a new language but he appreciates the support he has received by the Newcastle fans during his loan period on Tyneside.
Speaking to the club’s website, following last night’s win, Munoz said: “I know the fans like that I’m here.
“When I arrived, I received a lot of positive messages and I really liked all the support they gave me. I really like the city, the Toon, I like it a lot! I want to thank the fans for their support!
“I’m very happy to be having minutes. I had an injury but I recovered and I’m working towards getting fully fit.
“It’s very different from the football I’m used to playing in Mexico. I am getting used to the pace and physicality in England and I really enjoy every training session. I’ve been working hard and my team-mates and staff have been helping me too.”
Although the Magpies have the option of turning Santiago Munoz’s temporary stay in Tyneside into a permanent one, it’s hard to envisage the last signing of the Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley era having a part in Eddie Howe and PIFs ambitious plans.
The North American youngster who was born in El Paso, Texas, did train with the first team earlier this month, but his involvement with Howe’s team looks unlikely to go beyond that.
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