Shaun Newton enjoyed another brief taste of first team
action against Everton on Saturday, and is showing the perfect
attitude as he attempts to break into the starting
line-up.
The 30-year-old winger stepped off the bench as an 86th minute replacement for Matthew Etherington in the 2-2 draw at Upton Park, a four-minute cameo that marked his 20th Premiership appearance of the season - 17 of which have come as a substitute.
However, the former Charlton Athletic and Wolves star, who played a key role in the closing stages of our promotion-winning campaign last year, insists he won't be rocking the boat in a bid for more regular involvement.
"It was nice to come on against Everton on Saturday and play in front of the home fans again," he says. "Obviously it's difficult not being involved, but the team have been performing so well and the players on the fringes just have to be patient.
"Of course I want to play, and when I do play I'll give 110% for the team. Hopefully the gaffer appreciates that and knows he can call on me to do a job if needed.
"Whether I'm on the bench or sitting up in the stand, I just want to wish the boys well and, if I keep training hard and trying to impress, then maybe I'll get my chance. It has been frustrating but, from the Club's point of view, it is encouraging that there have been so few injuries and such a high level of consistency this season."
Alan Pardew has often spoken of the importance he places on a positive attitude among the entire playing squad and, along with several of his colleagues on the fringes of first-team action, Shaun has been a manager's dream.
A popular and chirpy figure in the dressing-room who always wears a smile on his face, the likeable Londoner has displayed the perfect attitude while trying to fight his way into the team, and admits he will keep on trying for as long as it takes.
"At the end of the day, this Club is going in the right direction, and I want to be a part of that," he says. "I understand that it is going to be a bit of a rocky road for me personally, especially with Yossi Benayoun and Matty Etherington playing so well in the wide positions, but all I can do is stay positive and hope for an opportunity.
"I was involved over the Christmas period when we had a few injuries and, with the fixtures likely to be a bit congested in the next few weeks, there might be an opening for me again.
"As I said, all I can do is work hard on the training field and be ready to perform when needed."
The 30-year-old winger stepped off the bench as an 86th minute replacement for Matthew Etherington in the 2-2 draw at Upton Park, a four-minute cameo that marked his 20th Premiership appearance of the season - 17 of which have come as a substitute.
However, the former Charlton Athletic and Wolves star, who played a key role in the closing stages of our promotion-winning campaign last year, insists he won't be rocking the boat in a bid for more regular involvement.
"It was nice to come on against Everton on Saturday and play in front of the home fans again," he says. "Obviously it's difficult not being involved, but the team have been performing so well and the players on the fringes just have to be patient.
"Of course I want to play, and when I do play I'll give 110% for the team. Hopefully the gaffer appreciates that and knows he can call on me to do a job if needed.
"Whether I'm on the bench or sitting up in the stand, I just want to wish the boys well and, if I keep training hard and trying to impress, then maybe I'll get my chance. It has been frustrating but, from the Club's point of view, it is encouraging that there have been so few injuries and such a high level of consistency this season."
Alan Pardew has often spoken of the importance he places on a positive attitude among the entire playing squad and, along with several of his colleagues on the fringes of first-team action, Shaun has been a manager's dream.
A popular and chirpy figure in the dressing-room who always wears a smile on his face, the likeable Londoner has displayed the perfect attitude while trying to fight his way into the team, and admits he will keep on trying for as long as it takes.
"At the end of the day, this Club is going in the right direction, and I want to be a part of that," he says. "I understand that it is going to be a bit of a rocky road for me personally, especially with Yossi Benayoun and Matty Etherington playing so well in the wide positions, but all I can do is stay positive and hope for an opportunity.
"I was involved over the Christmas period when we had a few injuries and, with the fixtures likely to be a bit congested in the next few weeks, there might be an opening for me again.
"As I said, all I can do is work hard on the training field and be ready to perform when needed."