Nolan to fight for spot

14 May 2009 14:18
Kevin Nolan is determined to keep his place in the Newcastle United side for the visit of Fulham on Saturday. The midfielder was left devastated when Magpies manager Alan Shearer left him out of the squad altogether for the 0-0 draw at home to Portsmouth. However the 26-year-old was reinstated to the starting line-up for the crucial bottom-of-the-table clash with Middlesbrough on Monday. The former Bolton man benefitted from the club deciding to suspend fellow midfielder Joey Barton following his reaction to getting sent off against Liverpool in the previous match and Nolan took his opportunity emphatically. "A couple of weeks ago I wasn't even involved in the 18," he told the Chronicle. "That hurt and upset me a bit and it was just about trying to get back in the team and proving people wrong. "I'm working hard to do that and hopefully I'll stay in the team for Saturday's game. That's the main aim - to play in the remaining games and get the right results." Moving onNolan had a hand in all of the Magpies' goals against Boro as the Toon moved out of the drop zone and the £4million man declares that he is ready to put the episode behind him as he eyes three more important points against the Cottagers on Saturday. "Alan has come in as gaffer and he was trying different things," he added. "I was disappointed that I wasn't part of his plans but it's just one of those things. "You can have a sulk about it but you've just got to get on with it, work hard, and hope your chance will come. "And I was just delighted to get my chance."

Source: SKY_Sports