Coastie

Lovely cross field ball from Munda. Almost a "worldy"...

It was still a full strength Barca team, he ran straight through them about three times and they were definitely taking it seriously after going behind. Xavi gave him big praise and then tried to sign him. I understand he chose NUFC because the EPL is far more visible in Oz than La Liga. Other than that, I completely agree. He should have stayed at least one more year in Oz. As for caps - he won't be selected if he's not playing at a visible and decent level. I do think he's good enough to be tried in the Championship though - he's a lot better than both Yengi and Waddingham at Portsmouth. But if he can't cut it there at 20 - 21 next year - then maybe he won't make it in Europe after all.

He went to Hearts because it wasn't far from Newcastle and there were a few Aussies in the team to help with acclimatisation (he'd just turned 18 and had never lived away from home). Hearts were in a scrap on the table so didn't trust him with a lot of minutes - even though he did do some damage in the minutes he got. Volendam was a disaster. The youth employing manager who signed him was quickly sacked, they were in a relegation fight, and the pragmatic new manager didn't trust him despite a wonder goal and a couple of excellent assists in his earlier games. Then he got injured for a while, back in Newcastle, but is finally fit and showing his genuine quality. I think he's 20 now so is old enough to be in the first team squad if good enough to keep someone else out. If not, one more loan beckons and it has to be the one that finally works to get him tested against men in a decent league. Portsmouth - if they survive - have a number of Aussies in their ranks - if that's still important for his settling. Let's not forget this is the kid that tore Barcelona apart (in a friendly) and it was Barca most vying with NUFC for his signature. He has a lot of ability and I'm just delighted that he's injury free and regaining his mojo.

While I mostly agree with this, I suspect he won't be properly taken seriously until he's getting his current goal involvements against men. Is there a lower level Championship team that loves a youth focus? Get him hardened up but still producing.

Go follow Sunderland instead?

Never thought he was funny and now he's even less funny - if that's possible.

I understand Kuol got two goals but was hooked at the end of normal time.

I've heard Kuol is starting to look a player. Anyone seen him in recent academy matches?

True, but he hadn't been playing as a central striker and was just learning his trade when he started at Arsenal. Isak's always been a striker, hasn't he?

Henry wasn't an out and out striker when he arrived at Arsenal, and he joined a team where they had goal scorers across the park - so he had to share the spoils with the likes of Bergkamp, Pires, Ljundberg, Silva, Kanu and Vieira. MInd you, 41 goals from 67 in the Prem is world class by any standard.

Has Garang Kuol been sighted anywhere recently?

Garang's Grip...

Any news yet on where Garang Kuol is to be sent this season?

Heard he did alright in the Burnley preseason match, but from what I saw of the Oz friendlies he's gone substantially backwards. Where's the fearless young tearaway that dribbled through the heart of Barcelona and tore past defenders in internationals? Looks utterly devoid of confidence so fingers crossed he can find it again.

Any news on Kuol? I know he's featured a little bit in the preseason tour but doubtless going on loan again. Has he done owt worth seeing?

Help is available...

Calling us our "Sunday names"... Anyone know what that means?

Many thousands of Geordie shirts. All looked pissed off.

Then why go at all? Such a rip off for the local fans.

I question such a game being played at all at this time of the year but the side put out by Howe was taking the piss. Not only were they no-names (as far as the fans were concerned) they didn't give a shit.

Garang disnae look interested. What on Earth has happened with the lad?

A mate just told me he's Arsenal's top target for the off season. Say it isn't so!!!

Good to see. He might surprise a few people with decent players around him.

Hard to know where he's at now after two disastrous loans. The lad certainly had ability when I was watching him regularly and actually started quite well at Volendam - scored goal of the month and had a very neat assist - but after the coaching debacle it all fell apart for him. Still only a teenager but if he's not good enough (pretty quickly) for NUFC U23s then maybe EPL is unrealistic. Bring him back to Newcastle to have a proper look.