Five-goal striker on Matthias Jaissle's radar after living Newcastle United St James' Park 'dream'
Newcastle United striker Vakhtang Salia spoke after being the mini derby hero against Sunderland at St James’ Park on Monday night.
Vakhtang Salia fulfilled a ‘dream’ by scoring a winner for Newcastle United against Sunderland at the Gallowgate End as he looks to make the step up into the first team.
Salia came off the bench to help Newcastle Under-21s come from behind to beat Sunderland 3-2 in the Premier League 2 at St James’ Park on Monday night, scoring his fifth goal of the season with a late header to secure victory in front of 5,100 spectators - including head coach Matthias Jaissle and sporting director Ross Wilson.
The young Magpies trailed 1-0 at half-time following Trey Ogunsuyi’s header before Kyran Thompson drew the home side level. Moments later, Sunderland went back in front through Felix Scott before Robbie Stockdale’s substitutions made the difference.
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Park Seung-soo scored a stunning goal from just inside the box moments after coming on before Kyle Fitzgerald and Salia combined for the winner with five minutes of normal time remaining.
“As soon as I came here, I was told that the biggest game and the biggest rival was Sunderland,” Salia told the Gazette afterwards. “It was my dream to score against them and I think I fulfilled that.
“It was emotional and I thank everyone who supported us and believed in us, and I think the best supporters are here in Newcastle.”
On his goal, Salia added: “It took a while [for the ball to go in] for me too and I'm very pleased it went in.
“We tried to do our best in the game and we try to win all the games, but this goal and this win was the most important for us.”