Schar so happy to contribute with goals

Fabian Schar shrugged off the plaudits after firing Newcastle United out of the relegation zone.

The defender netted twice in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cardiff City.

Schar ran almost half the length of the pitch to get United up and running midway through the first half

The 27-year-old, signed from Deportivo La Coruna last summer, took the ball just inside Cardiff ’s half and ran, unchallenged, towards the box.

Schar rolled the ball past goalkeeper Neil Etheridge with his weaker left foot after reaching the visiting box.

“I just feel so happy to have played a part in such an important victory,” said Schar.

“The most important part was taking three points out of such a big game, but to score my first goals for Newcastle makes it a great day for me personally. I’m really happy.

“The first one was pretty cool – I have not scored too many like that! I do not know what I was thinking when I set off on that run. Everything just went for me, and the pitch opened up.

“In those moments, you’re not really thinking about scoring or what might happen.

“In this case, everything was good, and then suddenly the shot was on. And I even scored with my left foot, and that won’t happen very often either! It’s great to help the team, though the most important thing is the three points.

“I’ll remember that goal for a long time, and you just don’t know how important it could prove to be.”

Schar got the final touch after Jamaal Lascelles flicked on a Matt Ritchie corner in the second half to put Newcastle 2-0 up.

The Switzerland international put another chance over the bar.

Asked if he had been looking for a hat-trick, Schar said: “No, not really thinking about a hat-trick. I’m perfectly satisfied with two goals – I don’t want to be too greedy!

“It was never seriously going through my head. I was really pleased with the two goals, for a defender, isn’t two goals enough?”