Ghana captain Andre Ayew made his full debut for his English Premier League side Nottingham Forest in their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at the City Ground stadium on Friday evening.

The Ghanaian forward joined his former Swansea manager Steve Cooper in the January transfer window as a free agent.

Andre Ayew had made six substitute appearances for his side since joining them and made his first start in their late defeat against the magpies.

Nottingham Forest opened the scores in the 26th minute against the run of play when Andre Ayew put pressure on Sven Botman who gifted possession to Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis who deftly chipped Nick Pope for the opening goal.

Newcastle's record buy Alexander Isak proved his worth as he volleyed home with his shin a pass from Joe Willock in added time of the first half to make it 1-1.

Deep into stoppage time Nottingham's Moussa Niakhate gifted Newcastle a penalty after raising his hands in an attempted header.

Isak stepped up and won the game for Eddie Howe's men as they keep their top four hopes alive.

Andre Ayew was taken off in the 79th minute with Sam Surridge his replacement.

The Ghana captain will now turn his attention to national team duty as Ghana play Angola in 2023 AFCON qualifier doubleheader.