Newcastle United Football Club

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Viduka hopes for new deal

13 May 2009 - 11:52:48

Click To Enlarge

Striker Mark Viduka has urged Newcastle United to offer him a new contract.

Viduka, 33, has struggled with a succession of injuries during his two-year spell with the Magpies.

The veteran striker has returned to full-fitness and also the starting line-up under interim manager Alan Shearer in recent weeks and is hoping his performances - like the man-of-the-match display in Monday's 3-1 win over Middlesbrough - will lead to a new deal.

The Australia international's current deal expires at the end of this season but he is hoping that both he and Shearer will remain at St James' Park.

"I would love to spend some more time at this club," said Viduka.

"That's my personal thing. I would love to have good times here and with Alan Shearer as a boss, this club has a lot of potential.

"I have been here for two years and we've had five managers. I would say to whoever is in charge, keep Alan for as long as he needs.

"The fans love him, he is Newcastle through and through, he is a big personality, people respect him and the players respect him."