FORMER Newcastle star Matty Longstaff has been likened to Will from The Inbetweeners after making his MLS debut.
The midfielder, 23, was released by the Toon last summer after failing to cement a place in Eddie Howe’s first team squad.
Longstaff joined Toronto FC earlier this month, having previously been without a club since last June.
He made his MLS debut on Saturday, coming on as a substitute with 28 minutes remaining of his new side’s clash with Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC.
The former England youth international made it a debut to remember by assisting Lorenzo Insigne’s late winner.
Following the 1-0 triumph he took to social media, posting four images and writing: “Good to get out at BMO field and get a positive result with the boys
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“ALL FOR ONE.”
While many fans responded by congratulating Longstaff, one noticed that he had a patch on his shirt reading “debut”.
They subsequently quote-tweeted his post with a clip of Inbetweeners character Will McKenzie, who was infamously made to wear a badge during his first day at a new school.
The social media user joked: “There’s no way in MLS you have to wear a debut badge.”
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Explaining the reasoning behind the gesture, another added: “It’s in partnership with a trading card company basically.
“They’ll take out the debut patch and put it in a card. Weird.”
Following his Toronto signing earlier this month, Longstaff’s former boss Howe said: “I’m delighted for Matty. He’s an inspirational character.
“We obviously have close connections with the family with Sean, but Matty has worked incredibly hard and is an infectious guy.
“We wish him all the best.”
Toronto’s manager John Herdman added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad.
“His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”
Longstaff famously earned the man of the match award on his debut after scoring against Manchester United.
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He went on to make 20 first team appearances for the Toon, scoring three goals.
During his stint he went on loans at Aberdeen, Mansfield and Colchester, before being released last summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
