Christian Atsu promises more headline-grabbing displays for Newcastle United

On-loan Christian Atsu has promised heart-on-the-sleeves performances for Newcastle United after scoring his debut goal at the weekend in the 1-0 win over Rotherham.

The Ghana international was making his first start of the season and hogged the headlines with a stunning goal.

Atsu only found out he was playing 90 minutes before kick-off time after manager Rafa Benitez surprisingly left in-form Matt Ritchie out of his starting XI ahead of the international break.

And Atsu was determined to take his unexpected opportunity.

''I was waiting for my time,'' said the 24-year-old. ''I knew I would have my opportunity.

''I was more focused on training to keep myself fit. I knew, for sure, that he would give me a chance.

''He will give everybody a chance. I was waiting for my time. I knew I would have my opportunity. I was more focused on training to keep myself fit.

''Sometimes you have to give the coach a headache when he makes his selection.

''Each day I try to work hard for Newcastle. I want the team to win. This is more important.

''I want to help the team most, and to help the team you have to be on the pitch.

''I want to play with all my heart.''
Atsu is on a season-long loan move from Chelsea.