Ki wants more good news for his fans

KI Sung-yueng is ready to grasp his opportunity this weekend against AFC Bournemouth.

The South Korea international skipper is likely to step in for Jonjo Shelvey at St James’ Park and he admits he is “game ready” after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

Ki has had to be patient with Shelvey and Mo Diame getting a regular run in the side but Shelvey’s injury against Watford could pave the way into Rafa Benitez’s starting XI for the ex-Swansea City man.

When called upon, Ki insists he is ready and able. He told the Chronicle: “I’ve been here three months now.

“So I have now settled at the club. The good thing is I don’t need to settle into the Premier League because I have played here for seven years. It is very comfortable for me.

“St James’ Park is a great stadium and has great fans, I have always wanted to play for these amazing fans.

“I haven’t had much chance to play but Watford was my opportunity. I really enjoyed it.”

Ki’s movements since arriving on Tyneside have been followed closely by the South Korean media with the press box at St James’ Park fuller than usual.

It means Ki is getting headlines on both sides of the globe at the moment.

He said: “It depends on me. I have to play well and then the fans in Korea, I want them to enjoy more performances. But it all depends on me as I say. I just want to deliver good news to them – not just to Korea but Newcastle as well. Hopefully we get more wins, starting with Bournemouth.”

United’s 1-0 win over Watford resulted in a great atmosphere at St James’ Park as fans wildly celebrated their first win in five months at the final whistle.

Ki reflected: “The atmosphere here is amazing. I hope the Watford win brought the fans a lot of pleasure and now we look to bring more wins to the table.”