Tord Grip travelled to Germany on Tuesday and it's fair to say he liked what he

Tord Grip travelled to Germany on Tuesday and it's fair to say he liked what he saw. Sir Bob's men turned on the style to win 3-1 and while they returned to Newcastle with the three points, Tord was making his way back to London hugely encouraged by the young English players that had powered the Magpies to victory.

Back in his Soho Square office, Tord admitted to TheFA.com that he could not help but be impressed by Shola Ameobi's excellent brace against last season's finalists while Jermaine Jenas once again proved what an exciting prospect he is for club and county.

A header and a left foot rasper from the 21 year old Ameobi saw the black and whites surge into a two goal lead, with Tord watching on from the stands.

"It was good that he got into the team and played so well when Shearer and Bellamy weren't there," said the England coach of the imposing young striker. "It was an opportunity for him and he took it.

"Of course did very well against Leverkusen but I must say as well that he also had a good game for the Under-21s against Italy earlier in the month.

"We had the game screened in our team hotel and, on a very, very bad pitch, he managed to keep the ball and do well. He's big and strong but he has quick feet."

It's Sir Bobby's stated policy is to, wherever possible, buy young and buy British and Tord revealed he's also a great admirer of the Magpies' £5m bargain from last term, Jermaine Jenas.

Sven and Tord handed Jenas his England debut against Australia and, by anyone's estimation, the youngster put in an excellent display.

"Jenas did very well against Australia," he said. "In that game we played him on the left hand side. Although I think his best role is in the middle, you can play him in many positions and we are always looking on the left hand side to find the right solution.

"All the players that we have played there, even Kieron Dyer, who does not play there for Newcastle, have wanted to play there because they know it's an opportunity for them. Jenas played there when he was at Forest, so he's used to it."

Jenas is a young leader, and a man that Tord admires on and off the pitch.

"He likes to play football - you can see that by the way he smiles," says Tord, smiling himself. "He is very relaxed and composed.

"He's now playing international football and league games every week - I think he will be a very useful player in the future."

Having returned from Germany, Tord's schedule shows no sign of slowing down. He'll be at Premier League games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the Champions League once again takes centre stage next week.

These days he has little time for one of his favourite hobbies - going to the theatre. "No, I haven't been to any plays recently," he says. "Football matches are my theatre at the moment."

Tord was talking to Daniel Freedman

* Log on to TheFA.com on Monday when we'll speak to Tord again for his views on England v Australia, Wayne Rooney and much more...

Click here to see all the matches that Tord has been to this season.