Watch: Emotional moment after Sandro Tonali makes his return after 10-month absence

Sandro Tonali made a triumphant return to action last night as Newcastle United edged past Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

It has been a long 10 months for Newcastle fans, but we dare say it has been even longer for the £55 million former AC Milan midfielder since Tonali was slapped with a ban for breaching betting rules.

There was quite a visceral reaction from some parts of the Toon Army when it came out that Tonali had been a naughty boy, but whatever your thoughts on him at the time, you can't question the lad's commitment since it happened.

The 24-year-old has trained harder than anybody even though he's been unable to play, he's learned English and can now conduct interviews in his second language and he continues his treatment for gambling addiction.

Tonali got off to a roaring start after 10 months out

Last night the nightmare came to an end as Tonali stepped out onto the pitch with his teammates once again. The Newcastle number eight was immediately involved in the action threading the ball through to Miguel Almiron who laid it on a plate for Alexander Isak. His low-driven effort palmed was into the path of the on-rushing Joe Willock who tapped into an empty net to give Newcastle a 1-0 lead after just 18 seconds.

Then just a few minutes later Isak squared the ball to Tonali whose shot was blocked by the outstretched leg of the Forest 'keeper. It could have been the dream return.

Tonali battled for an hour before being substituted by Eddie Howe. In that hour we were reminded of why his arrival at Newcastle was met with such excitement. He makes everything look effortless, he thinks three steps ahead and never stops grafting.

The reception at St James' Park will be outstanding

His reaction coming off the field after the lads secured the victory via penalty shootout spoke volumes.

Tonali walked over to the away end and embraced the fans as if they were long-lost lovers he'd not seen for years.

You can only imagine what was going through Tonali's head for 10 months - would the fans welcome him back or turn on him for letting them down? He got his answer last night in a beautiful moment.

Tonali is likely to make his return to St James' Park on Sunday when Tottenham Hotspur come to town for a 1:30pm kick-off live on Sky Sports. We can't wait to hear the reception he gets at home.