Newcastle United-bound Garang Kuol's experience of coming up against world champions France has only made the youngster more determined to continue his rapid progression and get to the level of the superstars he faced on his World Cup debut.

Kuol, who is set to join the Magpies in January, became the ninth youngest player in World Cup history when he was introduced from the bench as Australia endured a sobering opener to their campaign, losing 4-1.

The Socceroos were already 4-1 down when Kuol was introduced after 73 minutes but the youngster was still intent on making an impact. And although he wasn't on the pitch for too long, the hungry teenager still took as much as he could from the experience.

READ MORE: Garang Kuol's journey to Newcastle United & his response to the hype

“To see six-foot-four people as quick as me just shows the big difference between me and some of those players,” said the 18-year-old. 

“Only hard work is going to mean making it to that level. It's good to get that taste.

“It felt pretty long chasing France around! When I came on I was just excited to show what I can do. I think it’s something I need to look at with the coaches to see how I can get on the ball more.”

Kuol also told of his brief encounter with France superstar Kylian Mbappe, who welcomed the Newcastle-bound forward onto the pitch.

“He said, ‘sup bro, you good?'", said Kuol.

Kuol will leave the Central Coast Mariners for Newcastle in January and has been inundated with good luck messages from Tyneside ahead of the move.

After Tuesday night's game, Kuol, wearing black and white trainers, told The Athletic: “I’ve been reading a lot of messages, a lot of support, people saying 'welcome to the Toon' and stuff. I’ll just send them a photo of these shoes!”

For Kuol and the Socceroos, attention now turns to Saturday's game against Tunisia as Graham Arnold's side look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Arnold said: “When we get back to the hotel, that’s the game gone.

"It’s good that the other result was a draw. Now it’s about winning [against Tunisia], so we’ve got to get ready for it.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Callum Wilson is on alert after it was revealed Harry Kane will need a scan on his right ankle ahead of Friday's USA game.

Gareth Southgate initially downplayed concerns about Kane's ankle after the Iran opener but if the captain is not risked on Friday night, Wilson will be ready to step in.

Earlier this week, Wilson said: “As a player, as a striker you get given an opportunity, you’re coming away, you have to be ready to take it whether you’re first choice, second choice or third choice.

“There are players in the past, famous strikers you know, that didn’t play a minute in the group games and ended up becoming a hero and scoring in a World Cup final.

“So it’s a squad at the end of the day, it’s about the team and you just have to be ready when the opportunity arises.

“When you get given an opportunity, you have to make sure that you try and grasp it with both hands.

“We were winning the game, we were able to make a substitution, I came on and had a goal contribution, which is nice to add to the victory.”

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