Six of the best from Magpies

THIS was not the debut that Stephen Ireland anticipated after joining Aston Villa from Manchester City.

Ireland was no more than an irrelevant onlooker from midfield as his new team were swept aside in startling fashion by Chris Hughton’s Premier League newcomers.

Even Newcastle’s manager, former Republic of Ireland international Chris Hughton, was startled at the scoreline. But he cannot have been as surprised as Ireland, who failed to make any impact against the midfield authority of Joey Barton and Alan Smith.

Ireland did finally produce a positive run, but it came after 82 minutes of mediocrity and ended with a disappointing shot that arrowed high over the bar.

Nevertheless, Villa’s caretaker-manager Kevin MacDonald refused to let Ireland share the criticism that was deservedly directed at some of his other players.

MacDonald said: “I thought he did very well and showed his level of fitness, considering that he’s not played in a long time. He was still making runs into the area in the 90th minute.”

It’s unlikely Newcastle will be able to match this state of euphoria in the rest of the season. Kevin Nolan scored two goals and Barton was also on target, but United’s star was striker Andy Carroll, who scored a hat-trick to suggest he is a worthy wearer of the famous No. 9 shirt at St James’ Park.

Watched by Alan Shearer and England coach Franco Baldini, Carroll destroyed a Villa defence where Richard Dunne looked particularly vulnerable. Carroll said: “It is anextra responsibility playing No 9 here, but I just enjoy playing my football, no matter where it is. I am just very happy to have scored a hat-trick.”

Hughton was delighted with Carroll’s contribution, as his players proved they can live at Premier League level, with their biggest win in 11 years.

He said: “Andy’s overall performance showed how he’s been recently. He had a good pre-season and was excellent at Old Trafford on Monday. He’s very confident at the moment. He’s very much a throwback and is good in the air and a handful for defenders. Ultimately he will be judged on his goals. It is too early to say how far he can go. He is developing his game and knows there are areas where he can improve. If you are prepared to do the hard work, you’ve got every chance.

“This was a wonderful achievement, but we are realistic. We won’t get too many days like that in this division. Days when you score six goals against the likes of Aston Villa don’t come around too often. You can’t be in this division and get this scoreline without enjoying it.”

Perhaps it would have been different if John Carew had not blazed over after 10 minutes after Ashley Young was brought down by Steve Harper.

It proved costly because Barton powered in a 25-yard shot two minutes later, to send Newcastle on their way to a victory that enabled him to shave the moustache he had vowed to grow until they won their first game.

Barton said: “There are a few of the lads desperate to get it off. It is either the end of my moustache or the end of my relationship with my girlfriend, so I’m glad it is going.”

Barton also acted quickly to clear up confusion over his goal celebration after suggestions that it involved a Hitler-style salute.

Barton, who raised his finger under his nose as he stuck an arm in the air, insisted: “I was simply saying the moustache goes now.”

Barton’s corner brought Nolan’s first goal in the 32nd minute after more good work by Carroll and the striker drove in his first two minutes later after Dunne failed to clear.

Villa did score a first-half goal through Young, but it was disallowed because he handled while breaking clear – and it proved to be their last positive contribution to the match.

Newcastle continued to control the second half, with further goals from Carroll and Nolan before the striker added the sixth in stoppage time to the delight of Shearer, who had bet on him scoring the final goal of the game.

MacDonald now waits to discover if this setback will effect his chances of gaining the job on a permanent basis, always assuming he wants it.

He said: “Newcastle are a decent side with a lot of experience and took their chances well. Maybe I was a bit naive in my selection.

“I played two youngsters again and maybe two games in a week was too much for them.

“This has not made any difference to me personally. It was nice that people said nice things about me last week, but this is the other side. I didn’t think I was fantastic then, I don’t think I’m bad now.”

Newcastle completed a hugely satisfying day when they later announced that they have signed Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote from FC Twente.

The 24-year-old played in three games in the World Cup finals and was part of the squad that won the Eredivisie last season.