The 17-year-old started against Russia's youngsters at the Marbella Football Centre and played the first half of a 3-0 victory for the Young Lions.

Although well protected by his defence, the Newcastle teenager was called into action on a few occasions before the break, by which time new head coach Ryan Garry's side were 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from West Ham's Sonny Perkins and Michael Olakigbe of Fulham.

They added a third in the second half through Chelsea's Lewis Hall, with Thompson replaced by Sheffield Wednesday keeper Jack Hall at the interval.

The former Ponteland High School pupil - who was named on the bench for United's first team for friendlies against York City and Doncaster Rovers in pre-season and has regularly trained with the Magpies' senior squad this term - had been an unused substitute for the Young Lions as they were beaten 2-1 by their Norway counterparts on Thursday.

And he will now return to Tyneside with his first cap for his country - and that all-important shut-out - under his belt.