NOUS OF FRASER
WINGER REINVENTS HIS GAME
RYAN FRASER has promised Newcastle fans that they will see the real deal in the months ahead after a frustrating first season at St James’ Park.
And while the Toon Army await the impending arrival of last term’s loan star Joe Willock, the Scotland international claims he will be like a new signing too.
Newcastle have agreed a £22million fee with Arsenal for Willock, who is set to undergo a medical today before becoming the club’s first summer recruit.
But, according to Fraser, he is not the only one who will strengthen Steve Bruce’s squad.
“In a way I feel like a new signing,” said the 27-year-old former Bournemouth winger, who struggled for form and fitness after joining the Magpies. “I’m glad I got last year in so the players could get to know me on a personal level as much as on the pitch.
“I was always playing catch-up, then you try doing too much, then you get injured and you’re playing catch-up again. But this is me now – I’m back to normal.”
After featuring at the Euros, Fraser reported for pre-season training knowing that with boss Bruce likely to stick with the wing-back system that catapulted Newcastle up the table last term, he would have to adapt.
And he has reinvented himself in a bid to play regularly.
“I have changed position to try and fit into the system,” added Fraser.
“I am trying to learn how to play as a No.8 because I’ve never really played in midfield. I need to be taught it because I’m obviously a winger so it’s trying to fit into the team as much as I can and asking the coaches to teach me.
“It’s been OK in pre-season and something I need to keep learning.
“I want to be first choice if I can so it’s a season of trying to be as versatile as I can.”
Bruce will be hoping the Willock deal is tied up in time for the England Under-21 star to play against West Ham in Sunday’s Premier League opener
In the corresponding fixture last season, he scored the winning goal in a vital 3-2 victory, the second of seven he netted in successive games for the Geordies.
Bruce also wants to bring in two more signings – a central defender and a forward – although both are likely to be loan deals.