Newcastle Youngster has Bright Future

After picking up the Young Player of the Season award, only 15 months after joining Newcastle United and the Premiership, Jermaine Jenas had alot to say.

He is only 20, and will no doubt pick up many more awards in the future.

"I'm a bit surprised at how quickly everything has happened for me because when Sir Bobby signed me, he said I was one for the future," reflected Jenas.

"But I got chucked in because of a few injuries and I managed to prove myself, and I'm delighted. He put his trust in me for the big games and I showed him I could handle it.

"It has all been brilliant. Obviously I have got certain goals that I still want to achieve and making my England debut has capped off a great season for me.

"Sir Bobby is a big influence, he's a great man. He put his faith in me and gave me my full debut against Sunderland away, and he trusted me in the centre of midfield, which is my favourite position, so it shows the confidence he had in me and that helped my confidence.

"Having great players around me, like Alan Shearer and Gary Speed, has been massive. I think every team needs it, and we've got a great blend of youth and experience." "Paul Hart has been a massive influence on my career," he said.

"He brought me through the youth team, made me captain and showed a lot of faith in me, which boosted my confidence, and that's where my game stemmed from.

"He is a great man and although he didn't want to lose me, he felt I was ready to make the step up and move on, and I fully appreciate that."

Jenas came ahead of Wayne Rooney and team-mate Craig Bellamy (who picked up the Young Player Award last season) and picked up the Young Player of the Year award.

"Winning this award is the highlight of my season," he said. "It's the biggest achievement I've had in my career so far.

"My England debut was special, but I hope there's going to be a lot more of them, whereas this award comes from your fellow professionals.

"They judge you on your season's performance and footballers know other footballers, and that's a special feeling.

"It has been a good season for a lot of young players and there was a good field up for this award, so I'm just so honoured to win it.

"I know all the others who were nominated and they're all great players, so to come out on top, there's no bigger achievement.

"Beating Sunderland was a great result for us. One-nil was brilliant at the Stadium Of Light.

"They didn't have much to play for because they were already relegated, but because of the rivalry, they wanted to put a dent in our Champions League hopes. But the lads dug in and it was a fighting performance and we deserved the win.

"Newcastle can be genuine title contenders next season. We have some great players and we've got Champions League experience under our belts now."

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