Alan Pardew: "Leon had been knocking on my door for the last two weeks telling me he hasn't really had an opportunity.
"I spoke to him and said, 'You have been here a year and there are no assist, no goals - what is there for us to keep about you?'.
"He kept telling me he could do it, and he has proved that tonight. He had an opportunity, somewhat fortunately, because he wasn't due to start.
"He has a good cameo at Wigan and he was definitely going to come on at some stage tonight, but Shola pulled out this morning.
"I called him with the news about 10.30am and he couldn't wait, I could tell on the phone. It was a brilliant night for him and he deserves it."