Though he ended up on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline at Motspur Park, the 17-year-old caught the eye with an assured showing, Beardsley himself heaping praise on the youngster's performance.

A regular for United's Under-18 side this season, Bailey was only called into the Under-23 squad for Monday's trip at short notice.

And, after being taken by surprise by his late inclusion, the defender is keen to sample more of the same as Beardsley's charges prepare for a hectic period.

"I only learned I was going to be travelling on Saturday morning," he told nufc.co.uk.

"I thought I was going to be involved with the Under-18s against Manchester City, but I was told I'd be training with the Under-23s instead.

"On Monday, I didn't expect to start - I just thought I'd be in the squad. It was a bit of a surprise.

"I thought I did alright, but I feel I can always do better. Obviously I'm very thankful to Peter for him to say those things about me.

"I'm trying not to expect anything - I'm hoping to be involved again but it isn't my team. I want to keep playing for the Under-18s but I'd like to try and play a few more games for the Under-23s. I am not getting too ahead of myself."

The young Magpies had looked on course for a point at Motspur Park, only for Stephen Humphrys to net a late winner for the home side.

They have a chance to make amends quickly, however, with Hartlepool United visiting Tyneside tomorrow in a Central League Cup fixture.

Newcastle then return to Premier League 2 action on Monday, taking on another North East side, Middlesbrough, at St. James' Park.

Bailey felt that United were unfortunate to leave London empty-handed earlier this week, and hopes that their busy schedule will work to their advantage in the days to come.

"I didn't think we deserved to lose - we definitely deserved to get something out of it," he said. "We conceded an unfortunate goal late on where someone slipped, and it was just one of those things where everything went against us.

"The atmosphere was weird after the game. I think everyone was happy because they had played so well, but everyone was a little bit disappointed because they had just been beaten.

"Having another game so soon makes it easier, because you're not waiting around as long. Ben (Dawson) and Peter will be trying to turn things around quickly."