Last Updated: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:26
Chris Hughton has claimed that Leon Best is desperate to make his Newcastle debut against Cardiff City on Friday night.
The Toon boss is ready to rotate his squad with Peter Lovenkrands likely to be rested for the game against the Bluebirds leaving the way clear for Best or the returning Shola Ameobi.
Hughton has now revealed that he has been very impressed with the Republic of Ireland international since he moved to St James Park and says he is keen to get out on the field and add to the ten goals he has already scored this season.
"He comes into the frame for Cardiff and he's a lad who is desperate to make his debut," Hughton told the Chronicle.
"Leon was very eager to come here when we spoke to him and he was the sort of character that we need at this club. He knows this division well so he can be a very good asset to us in our quest for promotion.
"At the age he's at, he also has a lot of developing to do and there is a lot more to come from him.
"We regard him as one for now and one for the future.
"In training so far, his attitude has been second to none and that's the sort of players we want at Newcastle."