KRISTIAN DENNIS RARING TO GO WHEN HE GETS A CHANCE
STRIKER PREPARED TO BE PATIENT FOR CHANCE TO MAKE HIS MARK
KRISTIAN Dennis admits Notts County’s form means he will have to be patient in his bid to force his way into Harry Kewell’s first team.
The former Chesterfield striker played only his second 90 minutes of the season on Tuesday night as the Magpies slipped to a 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Newcastle United’s Under-21s.
The forward has endured a frustrating start to the campaign in which he has been playing catch-up with his fitness after suffering a thigh injury in pre-season following his move from the Spireites.
While Dennis has been working hard, Notts have since gone on to win their last three league games with Kewell’s side unbeaten in five in the division.
With Kane Hemmings and Jon Stead leading the attack, Dennis has had to make do with a place on the substitutes’ bench in recent weeks.
But he says that his battle for fitness is behind him and he is now concentrating on trying to win a place in Kewell’s starting XI.
“I picked up an injury in pre-season which obviously set me back a bit,” he said.
“I came back in good shape and then I had three or fours weeks out and only returned just before the season started.
“I was then in and out of the team, and now I am trying hard to get back in again.
“I was playing catch-up with my fitness a few weeks ago but not anymore.
“To get injured in pre-season was the last thing I needed, but it’s behind me now.
“I am feeling OK and hopefully I can kick on from here now and stay fit for the rest of the season.
“It’s going to be hard to get in, but I’ve got to be patient and wait for my chance.”
Dennis already has a goal to his name this season having struck in the 3-2 defeat at Newport having come off the substitutes’ bench.
But he could not add to that tally on Tuesday night against Newcastle’s youngsters who deservedly secured all three points in the Checkatrade Group G clash.
Kewell was disappointed with the performance at Meadow Lane where he made 10 changes to the side that beat Macclesfield 1-0 last weekend.
Despite that, Notts still fielded a strong side with the likes of David Vaughan, Andy Kellett, Shaun Brisley, Dan Jones and Noor Husin all involved.
Dennis was happy to have played the full 90 minutes against the Magpies but admitted it was a night when there were not many positives.
“I felt OK as it was the first 90 minutes I have played in a long time,” he said.
“I was glad to come through the game with no injuries but I was disappointed with the result.
“Nobody really did themselves any favours on Tuesday.
“But outside of that the team are in good form and who knows what can happen if we put a few more wins together, you soon shoot straight up the table.
“We’ve just got to keep the confidence high and take that into the Bury game a week on Saturday.”