NEWCASTLE United completed a hat-trick of pre-season friendly wins at St. James' Park after Alan Smith's debut goal ensured a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria.

The Magpies had beaten Celtic 4-1 and Juventus 2-0 before finishing off their warm-up programme with the single-goal success over the team from Genoa.

Here on nufc.co.uk we provide you with the best pictures from the afternoon courtesy of club photographers Ian Horrocks and Serena Taylor ...

IN THE NICK OF TIME ... Nicky Butt leaps out of the way as a Sampdoria player lunges into a tackle.

CLOSE CONTROL ... Charles N'Zogbia keeps possession despite the attentions of his marker.

SLIDE AWAY ... Skipper Geremi makes one of many challenges in the Magpies engine room.

CHANGING PLACES ... Steve Harper takes over from Shay Given during the first half.

MAKING HIS MARK ... Viduka looks for the ball during his debut.

ON THE BALL ... Mark Viduka has a run at goal in his sights in the first half.

NOT THIS TIME ... Alan Smith sees a contentious offside decision deny him a goal.

HEAD START ... But there's nothing wrong with this effort to give his team the victory.

HEAVEN 17 ... And the new boy celebrates with the Geordie crowd.

OBA HE GOES ... But striker Martins was denied a penalty for this incident in the second half at the Gallowgate End.

All images that appear here are copyright of NUFC and must not be reproduced without permission.

Don't forget all these great action shots are available on NUFCPICS, our official photo website. Its also the site for great iconic images of Toon heroes past and present. Click below to enter ...