JAMAAL LASCELLES says Newcastle fans will see the real Joelinton — after he finally ended his 20-game goal drought.
The £40million club-record signing struck in Toon’s 4-1 FA Cup third-round replay win against Rochdale.
Fans will see the real Joelinton now he’s ended his drought, says LascellesCredit: Reuters
It was his first goal since opening his Newcastle account at Tottenham on August 25.
And with Chelsea heading to St James’ Park on Saturday, skipper Lascelles — watching from the dugout — backed Joelinton to start banging in the goals now.
He said: “You could see everyone’s reaction the minute he scored. I was jumping up and nearly went on the pitch!
“He’s a really good player and it’s tough for him. He’s playing up there by himself most games and fighting centre-halves.
“He does do a lot for the team. Hopefully it can give him the confidence to start banging in more goals for us.”
BURDEN LIFTED
Toon boss Steve Bruce admitted the famous black and white No 9 shirt had been a heavy burden for him to carry.
But Lascelles, 26, said the striker had worked hard off the pitch to help break his duck.
He said: “That’s what probably makes it even harder for us to see him go weeks and weeks and weeks without scoring. You just want him to score. He’s a great professional.
“He’s there early and puts in the work at training, is in the gym and keeps his head down and doesn’t moan about anything.
“He genuinely does care and works hard for the club so I was over the moon for him to get a little relief and hopefully it can boost him for more games to come.”
Lascelles had started against Dale, his first game since suffering a knee injury after colliding with his own goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, against Bournemouth on November 9.
Winger Matt Ritchie is also back from injury and both are set to start against Chelsea.
Lascelles said: “It’s the first time I’ve had a long-term injury so it’s been tough seeing the boys go and train every day and you just go to the gym.
“Ritchie is a key player for us. It’s a real boost for the squad and fans.”
Javier Hernandez enjoys himself during training at the Elite Athlete training complex in Chula Vista
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
