Star winger happy to be grinding out the results

NEWCASTLE United star Matt Ritchie says he has no problem grinding results out during the Magpies’ promotion bid.

Ritchie insists it’s not about attractive football right now but simply getting the job done.

The Scotland international was modest enough to play down his performance against the Latics but, after having a hand in Dwight Gayle’s opener and then heading home the winner, the ex-Bournemouth man was many people’s vote for man of the match.

Speaking about Newcastle’s win over Wigan, Ritchie said: “It feels brilliant, really good. I think the performance was spot on.

“At this stage of the season it’s probably not all about pretty football – sometimes you just have to grind it out and dig in.

“We did that against Wigan and, to be fair, in spells we did play some good football as well.”

Ritchie was denied a penalty in the second half by referee David Coote – with Wigan’s Graham Barrow claiming he had dived in the box, causing a bust-up between both benches – but the United winger insisted he was caught.

“It’s tough for the referees, but for me I thought it was a stonewall penalty,” Ritchie said.

“He’s caught my foot as I went around him, sometimes you get them sometimes you don’t.”

And when asked about his personal performance, Ritchie was more concerned about the next game.

He went on: “I’m delighted. The lads worked hard but the main thing now is Wednesday.” Matt Ritchie