The Magpies forward, who is with the Ewood Park outfit until the end of the season, completed his side’s comeback in the 71st minute, after Duckens Nazon’s brace had given the Latics a two-goal lead.

But Charlie Mulgrew’s free kick pulled one back for Tony Mowbray’s men, and it was left to Armstrong to seal a point, turning home Bradley Dack’s centre to make it 2-2 and a memorable birthday.

Elsewhere, winger Alex Gilliead set up a goal for Bradford City in their 2-2 draw with Bury in the third tier.

Gilliead’s cross was converted by Tim Dieng to give the Bantams the lead, but Nathan Cameron levelled for the Shakers before the hosts were reduced to ten men when Matt Kilgallon saw red.

Gilliead was then replaced with eight minutes to go, but Shay McCartan put them in front with a minute to play. However, George Miller’s leveller earned the Shakers a point.

Elsewhere, Ivan Toney, Jamie Sterry, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Jack Colback, Lewis McNall and Stuart Findlay were all in action for their loan clubs.

And further afield, Rolando Aarons, Matz Sels and Henri Saivet all featured over the weekend, for their clubs in Italy, Belgium and Turkey respectively.