By Peter Donnelly
February 4 2003

Lomana LuaLua has shrugged off claims he is ready to quit Newcastle United by pledging himself to the club. Despite his lack of starts for United LuaLua has declared that the Toon Army "keep him going". The foward was second choice to Craig Bellamy at the start of the season yet formed a good partnership with Alan Shearer in Bellamy's absence.

However, once Bellamy came back he was dropped and also couldn't persuade Sir Bobby to play him when Bellers was out again, with Shola Ameobi being given his chance instead of the DR Congo international.

Since then the 23-year-old has rarely featured for United but the foward said,

"I didn't ask to go out on loan during last month and nobody asked if it was something I would consider.

Anyway, where could a player of my age get a better footballing education than here?

I am at a club challenging for the title, playing in Europe and supported by 50,000 people every week.

Most people in my position would just enjoy the experience while they can."

He added,

"I admit it can be hard when you're not in the team but what keeps me going is the Newcastle fans.

It would be easy for the supporters to forget me but everywhere I go I get encouragement and when I do play, I always get a great reception.

If I felt that the fans didn't really want me here then it would be far more difficult. But while I am wanted, I won't be going anywhere."