IT was inches away from being a "fairytale" start for Dong Gook Lee but Gareth Southgate hopes the fantastic ovation he received at the Riverside will help him settle on Teesside.

The South Korean was given only five minutes to show what he could do but still had time to strike a post after Stewart Downing's pinpoint cross before shooting into the North Stand with a late long range effort.

But even though it was only a cameo appearance, manager Southgate felt it was an important milestone for the talented 27-year-old striker.

"In an ideal scenario I would have given him a bit more time but the problem was Yakubu and Viduka were playing so well and were such a threat," Southgate said.

"I wanted to involve him and I was delighted with the reception he got. I think he realises now people will want him to do well and it might have been a fairytale start for him.

"It was important for him to get his first taste of English football. I want to introduce him slowly because he's still building his fitness up.

"Hopefully the reception he got from the crowd will give him a boost."

Lee is eligible for Tuesday's FA Cup fifth round replay against West Brom and will be hoping for another chance to show what he's capable of.

Text SHIRT MIDD DONG GOOK 18 to 80160 to get Dong Gook's shirt, name and number on your WAP enabled mobile phone.