The Ghanaian started in Newcastle United’s 3-1 win over Brentford.
Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has told The Chronicle he wants to relive the feeling he got when scoring against Rotherham by netting at St James’ Park.
The 24-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, started his second consecutive game for the Magpies against Brentford in the absence of Matt Ritchie and proved a constant threat down the right-hand side, but Atsu was disappointed not to get on the score sheet.
“I want to score in front of the fans at St James’ Park,” Atsu told The Chronicle.
“It was such a great feeling at Rotherham. We’ll see what happens at Barnsley. We will fight and work hard for the fans again.”
The Ghana international has been impressive in both of his starts for Newcastle, netting a beautiful winner at the New York Stadium before the international break, then causing countless problems for Brentford on Saturday.
Atsu’s match fitness is the only problem currently, having been substituted in the previous two games. The midfielder has taken the chance Rafael Benitez handed him, and has given the Spaniard even more food for thought as he ponders who to rotate for the game against Barnsley.
Ritchie is set to return after recovering from a sickness bug, which could mean Atsu is confined to the bench, with Yoan Gouffran a safer option for the other wide midfield slot due to his work rate and ability to protect his full-back.
Atsu’s desire to score in front of the Geordie faithful will have to wait until Saturday when the Magpies take on Ipswich Town at St James’ Park.
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