After a January transfer window consisting of outgoings rather than incomings at St James' Park, it is crucial Eddie Howe's squad players step up when called upon - and Saturday's FA Cup trip to third-tier flyers Birmingham City provided the perfect opportunity for those fringe stars to shine.

Joe Willock dropped a Man of the Match performance at St Andrew's, helping himself to two goals to somewhat silence the doubters after a tricky period in his Newcastle career. After abhorrent abuse aimed at the former Arsenal man last week, the cup showing will have meant a great deal personally.

Willock was pushed into Newcastle's front three for the cup tie given Howe's lack of options at present. With Anthony Gordon sidelined with a minor knock, Harvey Barnes still recovering from a muscle problem and Joelinton also set for a spell on the treatment table, Willock was the only real option for that role.

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“It was interesting to see him him there,” Howe said of the £25m man after the 3-2 win. “With Anthony’s injury, we played Joe in his position as a wide-left player.

“I thought he did really well. I think he’s got the running capacity to play in that position. It’s different to playing infield, but he’s got the pace to take players on and engage in those one-on-one actions.

“He’s also then got the technique to come into pockets, and come inside and shoot on his right foot. I thought he looked a threat throughout the game. The beauty of Joe when he does play inside, as a midfielder, is that he drifts wide a lot anyway. So I think he’s really comfortable in those wide areas.”

On the opposite flank stood William Osula. 21 years of age and still relatively unknown, the versatile forward caught the eye as the world watched the televised cup encounter.

Osula, signed for £10m in the summer, has had to be patient for his opportunities. He is a central striker who has been Alexander Isak's backup this term but with a similarly worrying lack of options on the right, has taken his opportunity out wide.

Osula chipped in with two assists - despite not knowing too much about one of them - and was a real nuisance down the right. His running battle with Birmingham City full-back Alex Cochrane was an intriguing contest and showed the youngster has a fighting streak in him.

With the ball, Osula is equally as impressive. His pace is a huge asset and once he adds goals to his game, he could prove to be one of the more popular signings of the post-takeover era.

“I thought Will was a real outlet for us,” Howe added. “His pace, strength and directness were key for us in that first half, finding our way back into the game.

“He’s still got some areas of his game that need development, but he’s certainly moving in the right direction and I thought he was unlucky not to score. I think he can play any of the front three positions. I think anything that showcases his pace, I think that’s his best asset. You saw that with his direct running.

“I think he’s got goals in him, I think he’s a natural goal scorer. There’s a few rough edges we need to improve, keep working and developing him, but he’s a massive player for us now.”