Shane Ferguson Loving Life on Tyneside

Newcastle United rookie Shane Ferguson thanked his manager Alan Pardew and the fans for keeping faith in him after a season which saw Shane sidelined for most of it.

Ferguson battled in the treatment room for many months after an antagonising ankle injury last pre season prevented him from playing a part in one of United’s most successful campaigns in years.

But now the fully fledged Northern Ireland international is hoping that his injury woes are behind him as he begins to pursue a place in the new look Newcastle squad, bidding for his place in the coming season’s league and European campaigns.

The skilful left-sided player was told he was a big part of Pardew’s plans 12 months ago with Jose Enrique’s future uncertain on Tyneside.

However, a cruel ankle ligament injury sustained in the pre-season friendly against Darlington cut short his chance of auditioning for a first-team place.

While Fergie lay injured on the sidelines, Newcastle were forced to sign Davide Santon from Inter Milan.

However, Ferguson was never forgotten by Pardew and, while he then suffered muscle injuries while on duty with Northern Ireland Under-21s, he went on to make a handful of appearances as Newcastle secured their Europa League spot.

It was a tough road for Ferguson, but he is grateful to Pardew for keeping the path well and truly open during some testing times for a player who is still just 20.

He told local journalists that he felt great that he was wanted on Tyneside and wanted to prove he can play at the top level with a top club.

He added that he owes his manager Pardew a huge thank you and is looking forward to thriving in an international quality squad of players.

But Ferguson will have his work cut out to become a first team regular, with players like Hatem Ben Arfa, Jonas Gutierrez and Yohan Cabaye already established in a forever vibrant and believing Newcastle team.

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