Viduka aims to play on

Toon striker expresses desire to play beyond current season

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 22nd December 2008

Viduka aims to play on

Viduka: Hopes to stay on for one more year

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Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka has expressed his desire to finish his career at St James' Park.

The Australian international has been plagued by injury during his time at the club and some expected him to call time on his career at the end of the season.

The striker has also been linked with a move back to Australia with a number of A-League sides thought to be interested.

But since recently returning from a serious Achilles injury, Viduka has seen the Magpies embark on a six-game unbeaten run in the league.

The 33-year-old was in the thick of the action after coming off the bench in Newcastle's last-gasp 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday as his deft back-heel found Damien Duff who slotted home the winner.

It has been rumoured that Viduka has the option of an additional year when his current deal runs out in June and the striker insists that retirement never entered his thoughts.

Clarification

"I never had it in my head that I might be retiring and, for me, it would be ideal if I could play one more year here," he told the Evening Chronicle.

"I enjoy doing it. I love coming to work every day, especially when we win games. It's a beautiful place to be.

"Ideally, I'd love to play another year for Newcastle, but if it's not to be it's not to be. I work hard for the team whenever I'm used, but football's a funny game and anything can happen."

The former Middlesbrough, Leeds and Celtic man was delighted that he could play a small part in the club's win over Spurs, a result which sent them to 12th in the Premier League to ease their relegation worries.

"It was looking like it was going to end up a draw and it was a big three points for us. It's always nice as a striker to be involved and to show a little bit of your style.

"We didn't really get into those positions too much, but Damien and me have struck up a bit of an understanding between ourselves in training.

"We do those sorts of moves all the time, it was automatic. I'm just very happy to be back on the field. It was nice to get on. To be involved in a winner in the last minute was something very special."