Duke on festive menu

When you think of Mark Viduka and a Christmas menu, automatically you think of the Aussie knocking back the full trimmings and then some. However this year rather than the dinner it`s all about the football as he begins his comeback proper. Speaking ahead of the Stoke game, our portly poacher said:

"It will be a very busy December and it would be good to get a good win at St James`s Park against Stoke. Not just for the team but for the fans. It`s been a tough run for us, but also for them. I just want to start winning games and picking up points.

First of all it`s great for the football club. Now we know what is going on. Stability is a great thing for us to have, and Joe is a nice guy. I have just started to get to know him and hopefully he can push us forward.

The last six months have been very difficult. You want to be playing games week-in, week-out, especially when times are tough. I think I have a lot to offer the team. Looking forward, I hope every training session and every game I`m involved in I can get fitter and fitter. I have to play some games now - there is almost half the season gone and I would love to rediscover my form from last season."

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