Mutch impressed in Cardiff’s victory over Fulham last weekend, scoring a stunning winner, but was left on the bench for the home clash against Alan Pardew's men.

Mackay introduced the youngster at half-time with Cardiff 2-0 down to a Loic Remy double, and he made an immediate difference as he created Peter Odemwingie’s goal that halved the deficit.

The Cardiff boss was delighted with his display, even though it was not enough to secure them a point.

"Jordon’s a top young talent," Mackay said. "He’s only 21-years-old and there’s a lot of potential there.

"There’s a lot of facets to his game and there’s areas that he’s improving on all the time.

"He’s certainly someone that came on and took the game by the scruff of the neck and showed why he’s here.

"It’s about players taking their chance when they get it."

Mutch signed for Cardiff from Birmingham City in 2012, and netted his first goal for the club at Craven Cottage last weekend.