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Garang Kuol is only 19, but is already the poster boy for Australias next generation, after playing a noteworthy role off the bench for the Socceroos at the World Cup. Having made waves in the A-league the season prior, Kuol was quickly snapped up by Newcastle (in the midst of splashing big cash on the likes of Isak, Sven Botman and Nick Pope) before his true break out in Qatar.

The teenager became the youngest player since Pele to play a World Cup knockout game, as the Socceroos bowed out in the Round of 16 in a tight loss at the hands of eventual victors Argentina . The 19-year-old impressed in a bench cameo, and would have scored a late equaliser but for an outstanding save from Argentinas Emiliano Martinez in goal.

Described by his junior coach as having a play style like Kylian Mbappe and Newcastles Allan Saint-Maximin, the rapid winger has an eye for goal like the French maestros, and even crossed paths with Mbappe in Qatar, in France and Australias World Cup opener.

While its early days yet in Kuols fledgling club career, his international form shows signs of the potential superstar he could be for the Toon. Overnight, Kuol calmly tapped home the winning goal (and his first in internationals) in a comfortable 3-1 win for the Roos over Ecuador in Sydney.Coming on for Awer Mabil in the 78th minute, Kuol (a natural right winger) found himself playing centrally when, 6 minutes later, he put the finishing touches inside the 6 yard box on a well worked Australian move. Starting tight up against the Ecuadorian centre back (Bayer Leverkusens Piero Hincapie) Kuol used his explosive acceleration to get into the ample space between Hincapie and the left back, Brightons Pervis Estupinan. Kuol checked his run just enough to get into the 6-yard box in time to tap in Aziz Behichs cross for the Socceroos third (albeit slightly scuffed).

Newcastle fans will hope Kuol can take the confidence of his first goal in green and gold back to club level, where (on loan at Heart of Midlothian)the wonder-kid has struggled. After three months in Scotland Kuol is yet to score, but if he can play with the swagger and skill he did in Sydney, it wont be long before he breaks his duck and begins fulfilling his enormous potential.

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Newcastle Uniteds wonderkind Garang Kuol scores debut international goal - The Top Flight