William Osula has revealed he will take on any job head coach Matthias Jaissle asks of him this season, after opening his account for the campaign with a 47th-minute strike in Newcastle United's win at Selhurst Park.
The 6ft 3in centre-forward does not mind whether he is seen as Newcastle's poacher or a deeper-lying forward. Osula finished last season with five goals in seven Premier League matches and, in only his second top-flight start this term, grabbed the opener against Crystal Palace.
Return from injury and a promise to the gaffer
After starting the season as the main striker under Jaissle and being handed the No 10 shirt by Eddie Howe, Osula – who has shaken off a foot injury that cost him over a month of action – told Chronicle Live: "I'm just here to play my job for the gaffer, wherever he wants me to play.
"So whichever job he gives me, I'm ready to go out there and help the lads get the three points, which is what we need to hit our target this season. I'm very happy. Thank God I'm back from injury now. It's been a tough period, but I'm happy to be back with the team, and being able to help the team is really important to me, especially with the win."
Overcoming a frustrating setback
Osula had begun the campaign with an assist for Anthony Elanga in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at St James' Park, but was forced off in that game as his foot problem worsened. Reflecting on the injury blow, he said: "Obviously, an injury comes unexpectedly, which is not nice after planning or having goals from the start of the season.
"But, you know, I trust God and have faith in God that I've come back now from injury, and I'm happy that I could also deliver today with my first start. So hopefully I can keep going in my season and kick-start from here now. I'm just here to play and do my job for the gaffer."
Patience pays off after the break
Osula was starved of quality service in the first half, having just five touches in the opening 45 minutes. However, he stayed alert to fire home just after the break after the Magpies came racing out of the blocks.
Asked if patience in the frontline is important, he said: "Yes, exactly. In the first half I was looking to see where the opportunities and chances were coming from, but not much came. So in the second half we came out with optimism and faith, knowing that if something's going to drop, we have to be alert and take it. And also have a clean sheet at the back and defend well. That's what we needed for the three points."
Osula was handed the No 10 shirt at the start of pre-season but is also starting to score goals a traditional No 9 would be proud of. Asked what type of striker he is, Osula said: "Everyone can watch and see how I play for themselves and make their own decisions about what they think I am. But I feel like I still have a lot to show in what I can do inside the pitch. So hopefully, over time, I can show the different things I can do on the field."
