SHANE Ferguson’s looking to play a late-season role in Newcastle United’s bid for Europe.
The 20-year-old came off the bench in the club’s Good Friday win over Swansea City.
And versatile Ferguson’s eyeing another chance when Bolton Wanderers visit St James’s Park this afternoon.
United were leading 1-0 when Ferguson replaced Demba Ba with just over half an hour left, and the Northern Ireland internation attempted to relieve the pressure on his team-mates.
Attack-minded Ferguson – who can play at left-back, or on the wing – looked to carry the ball upfield at every opportunity.
In the end, Cisse made certain of the points with a second goal.
“It’s always good to get on and play my part,” Ferguson told the Gazette.
“I just tried to work hard and keep the shape. I just tried to get the ball back, and carry it down the channel for the team.
“It’s great to get a few games. It’s more experience each time. I’m loving it.
“The way things are going, you never know what could happen. The way we’re playing, Europe’s in our sights.
“The lads have been a credit to the club all season – they’ve done brilliantly.”
Cisse has scored two goals in Newcastle’s last three games, and the 26-year-old’s looking the most astute acquisition of the notoriously unforgiving January transfer window.
The Senegal international put on another finishing masterclass at the Liberty Stadium, and Ferguson is relishing playing alongside the former Freiburg striker.
“It was fantastic, and another two great goals from Papiss,” said Ferguson.
“We dug in deep. We knew from the word go it was going to be a hard game. The lads did fantastically.
“Papiss is right up there. He takes a couple of touches, and the ball’s in the back of the net.
“He’s been fantastic since he’s come to Newcastle.”
Meanwhile, Bolton manager Owen Coyle is looking for a quick reaction to their 3-0 home defeat to Fulham.
He said: “It’s a setback. We now have to play again, and we have to get ourselves up for that.”
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