Ibrox interest in loan ranger Longstaff as Toon deal winds down
AYOZE Perez knows Newcastle United have to fight to win games at St James’ Park again as they look to end their cold streak in front of their own fans.
Newcastle last recorded a home win in October and have now gone 287 minutes without scoring at St James’ - meaning today’s home clash with Luton Town in the FA Cup represents a chance of a confidenceboosting victory.
The Hatters arrive on Tyneside with nothing to lose and as tabletoppers of League Two - and Perez is treating the Bedfordshire outfit with respect.
He told the Chronicle: “We are all working hard. We know we have to fight and work hard to win games.
“That has to be the way. Maybe sometimes we can play better football but we are working really hard and you cannot always do everything right.
“We are just trying to get better. Be better when we get the ball and see how things go.”
Newcastle have not conceded for the last two games in the Premier League and Perez feels his side is at least getting some things right.
He went on: “If you can keep a clean sheet you have the chance to win with just one goal.
“In our last home game we could not score against Brighton but we did get a point.
“We now have to keep doing the same things and keeping the same mentality.
“If we do we will pick up wins.”
Perez kick-started 2018 with the winning goal against Stoke City and the Spaniard hopes the coming 12 months can also bring even more success. NEWCASTLE United youngster Sean Longstaff will spend the rest of the season with Blackpool – but the midfielder is being tracked by Glasgow Rangers ahead of the summer.
The cash-strapped Ibrox club are looking at players who will be out of contract when the season comes to an end and it is no surprise Longstaff has caught their eye as scouts keep an eye on his progress.
The 20-year-old has been a success at Bloomfield Road, scoring six times in 26 appearances for the He said: “In 2017 it was a great year for me because we came back to the Premier League. “We won the title and not everybody can say that after relegation. Seasiders, with some of his strikes already contenders for goal of the season at the League One club.
Longstaff is already being watched by AFC Bournemouth and attracted interest from Scunthorpe United before the January window opened.
Rangers joining the queue could leave the youngster with a big decision to make in the summer.
At the moment his United contract is due to expire in the summer but Rafa Benitez is keeping tabs on the player’s progress.
Speaking after agreeing to extend
“So it was a great 12 months for the lads, now we are fighting.
“We know we have to look after ourselves in the Premier League and stay where we are.
“That is what we are trying to do. Hopefully 2018 will be even better for us.” his loan deal, Blackpool chief Gary Bowyer said: “I am delighted we have been able to get the deal done and I would like to thank Newcastle for allowing Sean to continue his development with us.
“He is benefitting from playing week in, week out and he has six goals, which is an incredible return for someone of his age.
“He is still growing and if you had taken a picture of him when he first arrived to a picture of him now, you would see the development in his body as well.
“When he does finally grow into his body and gets the power there he is going to be some player.”
Meanwhile, Longstaff added: “I have enjoyed my time here so far, I have played or been a part of pretty much every game apart from two, I think.
“It has been perfect for me, I have settled in really well, all the lads are great and all the staff have been great with me.
“I am happy to get it over the line and I am looking forward to the second half of the season.”