Debut delight for Diatta

Magpies man eager to prove his worth

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 8th April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Debut delight for Diatta

Diatta: Debut joy

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

New Newcastle defender Lamine Diatta revealed his delight after he made his first appearance for the Magpies during Saturday's 3-0 win over Reading.

The Senegal international has been given a contract until the end of the season and has just five games remaining to convince manager Kevin Keegan he is worthy of a permanent deal.

The 32-year-old defender replaced international colleague Abdoulaye Faye in the 82nd minute of Newcastle's impressive win over the Royals, and admitted his delight after experiencing his first minutes in the black and white jersey.

"It was my first game, I was very happy to play and it was a very special atmosphere," Diatta told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"The most important thing was the three points and I was very happy for my team.

"It was my first game in the Premier League and it's a difficult league, but I believe I can help the team."

Made welcome

Diatta became a free agent after being released by Besiktas earlier this season, and the new Newcastle recruit admits he has adapted to life in the North East well, and is now focused on securing a long-term deal.

"I'm very happy at the club," Diatta said. "I've been made very welcome by my team-mates.

"I'm enjoying the training and I want to prove myself to the manager.

"Habib Beye, my Senegal team-mate has been a great help, as has Faye.

"They have told me what a great club this is, and I want to stay here with them."