Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has hailed Ghana international Christian Atsu for his opener that helped the Magpies to cruise to a 2-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager is impressed with the form of the on-loan Chelsea star who struck the opener at the St Jam Park to fire his side into a 1-0 lead on the 3rd minute.

Atsu collected a selfless pass from Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovi? inside the box and struck home with a delirious effort.

Benitez feels Atsu's opener lifted the pressure off his side and has hailed the Ghanaian who has now scored twice in the Championship.