Callum Wilson praises Joe Willock after his excellent display in Newcastle win over Birmingham | OneFootball

Newcastle United overcame Birmingham City 3-2 on Saturday to make it to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Manager Eddie Howe made nine changes to the Magpies side that won against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Newcastle made a horrible start to the away encounter, conceding a goal after less than two minutes.

But Joe Willock got the leveller in controversial fashion when his effort looked to have been stopped off the line but it was awarded as a goal by the assistant referee.

The visitors quickly added another thanks to Callum Wilson’s brilliant close-range effort, but Tomoki Iwata cancelled out their advantage before the break.

However, Newcastle had the last laugh as Willock grabbed the winner late on with a lovely finish.

Wilson was left hugely impressed with the 25-year-old’s display, calling him a “big character” in the dressing room and saying he was “delighted” for him.

The England international told BBC One: “I’m delighted for Joe. He’s a big character in the dressing room. We all support him and are standing by him. He’s taken his opportunity today.”

Willock hasn’t been a regular starter this season under Howe. He has made 21 Premier League appearances, but 15 of them have come from the bench.

However, the midfielder produced an excellent performance for Newcastle yesterday. He scored two goals and also posted good statistics.

Willock had 49 touches in the match, with two key passes and three shots to his name. He also won seven of his 15 duels and completed four of his six dribbles.

On the back of this performance, the English footballer deserves to be given more first-team opportunities by Howe.