By Matthew Jones
July 18 2005

21-year-old Geordie Michael Chopra opened his senior goal-scoring account for Newcastle United yesterday, netting in the fourth minute in the Magpies' Intertoto Cup Third Round first leg against FK ZTS Dubnica. Newcastle went on to win the game 3-1, victory over Speaking to Newcastle World TV, he said:

"It was a very special moment for me. I'm pleased I've scored and hopefully there will be more to come.

"They (Dubnica) thought it was offside, but I'm not bothered. Even in training, the gaffer always says you should go ahead and finish and that's what I did.

"It was only my second start and hopefully I've given the gaffer something to think about. Now hopefully he'll pick me again.

"The goal will do my confidence a world of good. It's what I needed and I'm sure a lot more will come now.

"We're struggling with strikers at the moment. I've signed a new one-year contract and I will give it my best shot and keep working hard to try and force my way into the first team.

"I hope I've given the manager a headache and he'll pick me again for the second leg.

"It's definitely a career highlight. I spoke to my mum and dad before the game and they said they'd tape the game for me and wished me all the best, so I'm looking forward to seeing the goal again when I get home."