Two first half goals from forgotten man Albert Luque helped Newcastle United to victory over Scottish Champions Celtic in Sam Allardyce’s first home match in charge of the club.

Despite being without players such as Michael Owen, Joey Barton and, perhaps tellingly, Kieron Dyer, an efficient first half performance saw the Magpies lead 3-0 at the interval, with Sam Allardyce’s men looking particularly threatening in attack.

Both sides pressed forward in the second half but clearcut chances were few and far between until Scott Brown headed a goal back for the visitors with 20 minutes left, however the returning James Milner capped off a great win for United with a late strike.

New recruit David Rozehnal looked solid and composed until he was subsituted late on and fellow new boy Geremi put in a man of the match performance, pulling the strings in an unfamiliar central midfield role.

Sporting their brand-new blue change kit, United took the lead in the eleventh minute when Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins drove a low shot into the bottom right corner from 12 yards, after Nobby Solano’s intelligent pull back.

Celtic came close to an equaliser shortly after with Paul Hartley setting up striker Maciej Zurawski, but the Pole could only guide his shot wide when perhaps he should have done better.

This spurred the home side into action - Geremi twice coming close with right-footed efforts and Albert Luque lashing a free-kick over the bar from a promising position.

However, Luque wasn’t to be denied for long as the former Deportivo man got his first of the night nine minutes later, staying just onside to guide James Milners inswinging cross underneath Celtic keeper Boruc.

Luque almost added a another shortly after, his powerful left foot volley just clearing Boruc’s goal after being sent through by the impressive Geremi.

Celtic should have halved the deficit in the 40th minute when Zurawski took the ball past an advancing Shay Given and left it for Vennegor of Hesselink to finish off but Peter Ramage recovered brilliantly to clear off the line.

Newcastle’s third goal arrived three minutes before half time with Nobby Solano again the provider. The Peruvian looped in a trademark cross from the right and Albert Luque arrived late at the back post to volley in his second and Newcastle’s third on the night.

Early in the second half United’s Andy Carroll, on for Luque at the break, almost made it four after pouncing on Lee Naylor’s weak backpass but the Toon youngster could only poke the ball into the body of the onrushing keeper.

The lively James Milner then came close with a great turn and shot that bounced just wide of new Celtic keeper Brown’s right-hand post.

Celtic threatened more after the break and the visiting fans were given cause for celebration in the 72nd minute as summer signing Scott Brown pulled one back for the Bhoys, looping a header over Shay Given from Aiden McGeadys clever chip.

Brown almost added a second shortly after but saw his drilled shot hit the foot of Shay Given and loop over the crossbar.

Newcastle substitute keeper Steve Harper made a late cameo appearance outfield, replacing the injured Nicky Butt to great applause from the home crowd.

Despite many fans heading towards the exits early, there was still some action left as United restored their three-goal advantage in the final minute. Charles N’Zogbia found James Milner, and the England Under 21 star cut in from the left, drilling a right foot shot into the bottom corner with the last kick of the game.

Newcastle: Given; Carr, Rozehnal (Edgar 70), Ramage (Taylor 45), Huntington (N’Zogbia 45); Solano (Pattison 45), Geremi, Butt (Harper 80), Milner; Martins (Troisi 65), Luque (Carroll 45).

Subs not used: Krul.

Celtic: Boruc (M Brown); Caddis (Jarosik), Kennedy, McManus, Naylor; Donati, S Brown, Hartley, McGeady; Vennegor of Hesslink (Miller), Zurawski.

Subs not used: Balde, Pressley, Gravesen, McDonald, Killen, Riordan, Irvine.

Goals:
Newcastle: Martins 11; Luque 30, 42; Milner 90.

Celtic: Brown 72.

Attendance: 30,225.

NUFC Player Ratings:
Given - 7
Carr - 6
Rozehnal - 8
Ramage - 7
Huntington - 7
Solano - 8
Geremi - 8
Butt - 7
Milner - 8
Martins - 7
Luque - 7

Subs:
Taylor - 7
N’Zogbia - 6
Pattison - 6
Carroll - 7
Troisi - 7
Edgar - 6
Harper - 6

Will Sam Allardyce get the best out of Albert Luque after the Spaniard’s two goals tonight? Who were the star men for United? How did new boys Geremi and Rozehnal perform? Have your say below.