LuaLua looking to make an impact at Newcastle

KAZENGA LuaLua is counting the days to pre-season – so he can finally get his Newcastle United career back up and running.

LuaLua spent six months on the sidelines after breaking his foot while on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 20-year-old returned to fitness in the last weeks of the campaign, and made a substitute’s appearance in Newcastle’s penultimate game away to Chelsea.

Having put the injury behind him, LuaLua – who is wanted back at Brighton by Gus Poyet – is keen to impress manager Alan Pardew in pre-season, having been unavailable for much of his tenure.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been playing football – I was out for six months,” LuaLua told the Gazette.

“It’s been a tough season for me, but my injury’s over now, and I’m just looking forward to pre-season.”

LuaLua, brother of former United striker Lomana, was playing well for Brighton when injury struck, and while Poyet could move for the 20-year-old midfielder in the summer, his first priority is to earn a place in Pardew’s squad.

Pardew, while looking to strengthen his midfield this summer, has pledged to give the likes of LuaLua a fair chance in pre-season.

“I had a good time at Brighton, and it was a shame to get injured, especially when I was doing well,” LuaLua went on.

“But these things happen in football, and you’ve got to move on and put them behind you.

“I could have been back earlier, but I had a setback.

“I’m a Newcastle player, and at the moment all I’m focused on is coming back in pre-season and trying to impress the manager.

“He hasn’t seen much of me, and I want to show him what I can do.”

LuaLua also appeared for Newcastle in the Carling Cup away to Accrington Stanley.

he is a good player i hope he gets a chance.