Shola: I Want To Be Newcastles Next Centre-Forward

SHOLA - ON A MISSION

Writing on his personal Icons website, Shola said:

"It's amazing how quickly things can change in football and I must admit that I am feeling a million times better than I did at the start of this week. Goals keep strikers happy and my two in the second half against Valerenga have got me smiling again!

"I was extremely disappointed to be left out of the starting line-up for the games against Portsmouth and Valerenga. It really hurt me badly. I know that I didn't play well in Norway last week, but it was a poor team performance all round and I felt very low at being the one to drop put.

"But, feeling so down at being dropped has maybe given me the wake-up call that I needed. Sometimes players need a gee-up to rediscover their hunger and this was mine. I was very determined on Wednesday night and I told myself before the game that I need to give 150% in every single match to achieve my dreams. I want to be Newcastle United's next centre-forward and to do that I now know that I have to give everything that I've got at all times. I must not take anything for granted.

"I'd like to think that I helped the team to improve in the second half against Valerenga because the first 45 minutes were poor from Newcastle's point of view. Thankfully, the goalkeeper couldn't hold my first shot and Jermaine Jenas kindly laid the second on a plate for me! I really needed those goals and I must say that I'm buzzing again.

"When Craig Bellamy had to come off I knew that I was under pressure to do well. Competition is very stiff in the strikers department at this club and having not done well in my last match I was aware that I needed to produce the goods to stay in the side. I'm so pleased that it turned out well in the end for me and the team.

"I've just heard that we face Real Mallorca in the fourth round of the UEFA Cup. I don't know too much about them yet but all Spanish sides are extremely strong and it is sure to be a big test for us. We avoided some of the so-called bigger teams – which was a bonus – but I'm sure that we'll have to be at our very best to knock Mallorca out in the next round."

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