"A dream come true" - Sean Neave on his professional debut in the Champions League | OneFootball

It was a night to remember for both Neave and the Magpies, who delivered their biggest ever win in the competition following a 6-1 away triumph over the Azerbaijan Premier League champions.

Neave, who joined United's Academy as a 13-year-old, was introduced in the latter stages of the knockout phase play-off first leg and expressed his delight in achieving a significant milestone in his fledgling career.

The 18-year-old forward, who hails from Winlaton, told newcastleunited.com: "It was an unbelievable moment making my debut for the club, never mind in the Champions League. I never expected it to come that soon but I just have to keep moving forward and, hopefully, I can get my Premier League debut.

"If you asked me this a few years ago, I wouldn't believe you. Making my debut for my boyhood club is a really good moment. I'm dreamt of this since I was young and it's finally happened. It's a dream come true.

"It's brilliant to be involved in this squad. I'm quite young so I haven't really seen Newcastle play in the Champions League much so it meant a lot. Being a part of such a historic win, too, made it even more special."

Neave completed a bright cameo role at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku, almost providing an assist and looking set to become the club's youngest European goalscorer before Will Osula's deflected pass narrowly evading the unmarked debutant inside the penalty area.

He added: "I saw Will get played in and just thought I need to get in the box here! I sprinted up and when he played it back, it took a slight deflection and went just behind me. I was gutted as a goal on my debut would've been unbelievable but it was still a top night.

"Bonner (Graeme Jones) told me and Alex Murphy to go and warm up. We did that for about five to ten minutes and then JT (Jason Tindall) called me. I got stripped and then the gaffer was giving me tactical information before I came on.

"It was a bit of a blur as it all happened so quickly but I just had to get on with it and work hard for the team."

It has been a whirlwind 48 hours for Neave, who received a message of congratulations from his footballing idol, Alan Shearer on Instagram along with a follow request from the Magpies' all-time leading goalscorer.

Neave, who has netted nine goals at under-21 level so far this season, revealed he was also praised by a number of his United teammates as well as head coach Eddie Howe after the full-time whistle in Baku.

"Anthony Gordon came up to me at full-time and said 'it's really well deserved as you've worked hard for it'," he explained.

"I also spoke to the gaffer, thanking him for the experience and he said 'your attitude has been impeccable and you did really well when you came on'.

"Dan Burn has really helped me coming into the first team group. He supports the club too and he was one of the first players who came up to me when I came on and said 'you're playing in the Champions League, son!'. I was buzzing!"

Neave was named on the bench for United's Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool last season but admitted his professional bow in Azerbaijan narrowly outweighs last year's historic success at Wembley.

After previously being an unused substitute for 23 consecutive matches at senior level, Neave is hopeful of gaining more appearances for his boyhood club following his longly-awaited maiden outing on Wednesday night.

"I'd say the debut is just above winning a Carabao Cup medal but being a part of that squad was a massive moment," he added. "That was the first major achievement in my career.

"The last year has been amazing. Being a fan of the club and being in and around the players everyday has been top.

"I feel like I've waited a long time for it. Since then, I've learnt a lot from all the players in how they react when being on the bench. I think it's helped me a lot. I've got to be patient as I'm still quite young but I hope I can get more minutes."

Newcastle host Qarabağ in Tuesday's second leg encounter (kick-off 8pm GMT), with Neave hopeful of achieving a lifelong dream in featuring at St. James' Park for the first time in a senior fixture.

"That would be another milestone to try and tick off," he said with small grin on his face. "To play a competitive game at St. James' Park for the first team is a dream of mine. If I can accomplish that on Tuesday night, I'd be over the moon."