Robert Hoping For Long Term Future

By Matthew Jones
October 29 2004

French winger Laurent Robert is hoping for a long-term future at St James' Park and knows that he will have to work for it. Robert had been told that he will have to get used to being used as part of a squad system by boss Graeme Souness.

Robert, who is willing to start playing more defensively, said:

"Without me, there is not as much service for the likes of Alan Shearer or Craig Bellamy.

"But I'm also always looking to score goals myself. Last season I scored 12 times and I want to at least equal that - if not beat it - this season. But to do that, I need to be playing regularly.

"I'm an attacking player and my game is all about getting forward, scoring goals and providing crosses for others. But the manager wants me to play a little bit more defensively and I'm willing to do that if it means that I get into the team more.

"The goal against Manchester City on Sunday was my first goal of this season and I was absolutely delighted to score it. It was magnificent entertainment for the supporters to see seven goals in one half, although I know that it is more important that they see the team win than me score a goal."