Hot Gayle ready for Prem job
DWIGHT GAYLE is desperate to prove himself in the Premier League.
The Newcastle striker, who hit 23 goals to help Toon to the Championship title last season, grabbed both in a 2-1 win at Hearts on Friday.
And Gayle, often on the bench in his top-flight days at Crystal Palace, is ready to fight for his place as boss Rafa Benitez looks to add to the Magpies’ attack.
Gayle’s impressive goal haul last term came despite hamstring problems and the Newcastle No.9 admitted: “I want to play as much as I can.
“But I know the club needs to bring in new players and we have to improve. That will pull everyone in the right direction, because it will give us all a boost.
“There is pressure that comes with the shirt and I know what I have to do. I will rely on the other lads helping me out, playing balls in behind.
“We have quality in the team. Even last season I had a point to prove, so this will be no different.
“Getting promoted was what we all wanted. Now we need to go out and prove we can handle it.”
Gayle added: “I wouldn’t say I feel sharp. I don’t think any training prepares you for games. We need to get ready for the new season and play as much as we can.”
Benitez, who takes his squad to Ireland this week, has been frustrated in his search for new players.
But Newcastle have upped their offer for Norwich’s England Under-21 winger Jacob Murphy to around £10million after having an £8m bid rejected.