By Martyn Osmond
July 26 2004

Patrick Kluivert has insisted he won't expect to walk into the United first team ahead of a now-fit Craig Bellamy and Shola Ameobi, who has just signed a new contract at the club. The Dutchman made it clear that he wants to earn his place in the team, not have it handed to him on a plate. "Sure, I will need some time to adapt, but I have already done it in other countries and am looking forward to playing my first match," said Kluivert. "He (Sir Bobby Robson) has not guaranteed me a first-team place - you have to earn it. That makes the team stronger.

"Sure, he has got his favourite XI, but if there is somebody who plays better at that moment, he will make his choice."

Kluivert added: "I think Alan Shearer has proved he is a top striker still.

"He is a marvellous player and I want him to stay.

"But we have four great strikers, so it is not only Shearer and Kluivert - we also have Bellamy and Ameobi. We should not forget them."

The Dutchman revealed he had the chance to sign for other teams, both in England and Europe, and that manager Sir Bobby Robson was a major factor in his decision to choose Newcastle.

"I had other offers, but now that is not important," he said. "I have signed a contract with Newcastle and am very happy with that.

"I know Sir Bobby from the time he was trainer at PSV. He was very important for my move to Newcastle.

"I spoke to players who had worked with him. He also worked at Barcelona and did a very good job."

"We have a good team and will look at it from match to match, play as good as possible and then we will see where the ship ends."

Kluivert will returned to Newcastle this week, and is unlikely to feature at Ipswich on Wednesday, but will probably make his debut in the NewcastleGateshead Cup next weekend.