Australia NewsDukes Hails His Geordie Backers |
MARK Viduka has hailed the Newcastle United supporters for helping him through his darkest hour as he now bids to get back on the goal trail.
Dukes made his first appearance of the campaign against Middlesbrough at the weekend after recovering from achilles trouble.He almost capped his return with a goal but was still happy enough to just be back on the pitch.
There was a period of uncertainty where player and club seemed to be mulling over whether surgery was required to fix the problem but Viduka admits he's relieved that wasn't the chosen route in the end.
He told the Evening Chronicle: "There was a chance I could have had an operation, but I didn’t want that because I could have been out for nine months and I don’t need that at this stage of my career.
“I didn’t expect to be out for six months, though, when it first happened. To be honest, I was playing with the injury for a while and it just got worse and worse."
Now he's fit again the V-Bomber is not looking too far ahead.
He said: "I’d love to stay fit until the end of the season. If I can get myself to playing week-in, week-out playing without getting a reaction that would be great.
“Then I just want to get back to the business of scoring goals."
He can certainly count on plenty of support from the Geordie faithful and the Aussie striker has been swift to acknowledge the part the fans have played in keeping up his spirits.
He said: "The Geordie fans to me are unbelievable.
“During this time that I have been out people have been so supportive of me.
“And I’d like to thank them.”
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Dukes Hails His Geordie Backers "? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
