Luque eyes Magpies return

Albert Luque is targeting a first team return for Newcastle against Bolton.

Albert Luque is targeting a first team return for Newcastle against Bolton after scoring twice for The Magpies' second string.

The £9.5 million signing from Deportivo La Coruna has been unable to command a regular starting place at the club since arriving on Tyneside last summer.

However, the 28-year-old is now hoping to prove his worth to manager Glenn Roeder following two well taken goals for the reserves in a 4-1 win over Liverpool on Tuesday.

"I was very happy to score the two goals - I remembered how to score them from when I was in Spain! It was a good game for me, and a good result for the team," said Luque.

"It is hard for me to play in the reserves - and I have to be honest and say that I did not expect to be playing in the second team when I moved from Spain.

"But life changes, and when Glenn asks me to play in the reserves, I will play - no problem.

"I am a professional, and I know I have to show the right attitude.

"The team against Liverpool was a very young one, and as a senior player, I know I have to help them and try and show them an example.

"I will continue to work hard, and maybe I can get back into the team for the next game against Bolton."

Reserve team boss Lee Clark hailed Luque's attitude, and admitted he could have done little more to force Roeder's hand.

"Albert Luque was a great example to our younger players with his two goals, and he showed the right attitude on the night," said Clark.

"Like all senior players, he has a point to prove and he could not have done any more. He was fantastic."