Has Luque's Time Come?

So far this season Albert Luque has scored a couple of goals for Newcastle Reserves, but he has yet to produce the goods in the Premiership.

But with Newcastle struggling to find a fit striker for the trip to Palermo, will Toon boss Glenn Roeder give the Spanish international the stage to prove his worth?

Roeder: 'It's been difficult for him in England, starting badly with a very nasty torn hamstring.

'His English has improved a lot which I hope will help, he's got to show that he's now adapting to life in the Premiership.



'In the Premiership, the quality of fighting, of aggressiveness is so important. It's not just competing with your opponent, it's running. You've got to run aggressively and with urgency at all times.

'Technique alone is not going to give you a career in the Premiership. It might in other leagues, but not here. The two things go hand in hand; the aggressive running has to go with the technical ability and football knowledge.

'There is no one here who would accuse Albert of lacking technical ability. He has got that Spanish ability to control and pass the ball, shoot and head as a striker. He very rarely mis-controls the ball, but we need to see that aggressiveness as well, to run and work, not just for himself, but for the team.'

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