Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has heaped praise on loan winger Christian Atsu following the youngster's winning goal against Rotherham in the Championship.

Atsu, who joined the Magpies on loan from Chelsea during the summer, marked his first start for Newcastle by grabbing the game's only goal in order to lift the club closer to current league leaders Huddersfield Town.

"I think it was great. He scored a great goal and had some good situations, one-versus-one, that we were looking for," Benitez told the club's official website.

"He had a good chance in the second half and he could have scored the second goal. It's what we were expecting from him - a player that can beat players and can make a difference."

Newcastle currently hold third spot in the Championship standings with 22 points.