Ki looking for another win before cup break

Ki Sung-yueng admitted Saturday’s home game against Fulham game could be his last for Newcastle United – until February.

The midfielder, signed on a free transfer in the summer, has hit form for the club over the past two months.

The South Korea international, and former Sunderland loan man, could have to link up with his country ahead of the Asian Cup, which is being staged in the United Arab Emirates next month.

Asked when he had to meet up with his international team-mates, Ki said: “I don’t know. It isn’t confirmed yet, but, by the FIFA rules, it’s two weeks before the first game, so it could be after next week.

“I think they’re talking, there are negotiations, so it’s too many games I’ll be missing. It depends on the games.

“The final is on February 1, so it’s quite a long time.

“But I don’t want to be greedy, because we have good players. If I can’t play, I can’t play. Also, it’s crucial for my country. They haven’t won it for nearly 60 years. I can’t be in two places at once.”

South Korea opened their Asian Cup campaign with a game against the Philippines on January 7 in Dubai.

And Ki wants to help Newcastle record another win before he leaves Tyneside.

“I’m happy we’ve put this run of form together before I leave,” said Ki, who left Swansea City in the summer.

“I don’t know when I’m going to leave, because there are not many games left in which I can play.

“So as much as I can, I try to win every game, and then of course I feel a little sorry for the team, as they’re in the middle of the season, but at least we’re in good shape.

“I don’t know when I come back if my place will be there, but I’m very pleased and satisfied so far with the team and everything I play for.

“I think this game was crucial for us, especially this one and the next one against Fulham. It’s like a six-point game.”