With Dutch international Luuk de Jong misfiring again and everyone else lacking ideas and inspiration, Armstrong could do no worse if he was thrown in.
It was the 17-year-old’s third substitute’s appearance and he is set to again be involved in the club’s visit to the Emirates Stadium on April 28.
Pardew: “It’s important that he gets experience.
“He’s a player with technical flair.”
Armstrong: “It felt amazing to get out there.
“Like I always say, it’s a boy’s dream to play at St James’s Park, and I’m really happy.
“But at the end of the day it’s about the results and we didn’t get that so everyone’s gutted.
“I had all my family and my friends watching me, which is just what you want really. It’s a really good feeling.
“It was a buzz, they were clapping when I was coming on. It was amazing, there’s nothing else I can say.
“I’m just looking to work hard this week in training, and hopefully I can get in the squad for next week."