Hat-trick dedicated to Kevin Nolan’s daughter

Sep 28 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

KEVIN Nolan has revealed how a pre-match pep talk from three-year-old daughter Jasmine helped inspire his first hat-trick in professional football as Newcastle cruised to a 4-0 win at Ipswich Town.

Nolan took his goal tally to six for the season at Portman Road and the former Bolton midfielder’s form has been a major factor in the Magpies’ excellent start to the season in the Championship.

Nolan struck twice in as many first-half minutes and completed his stunning hat-trick shortly after the break as the Ipswich defence was ruthlessly dismantled by United’s attacking power.

And the 27-year-old knew who to thank for his match-winning display as he dedicated the first match ball of his career to a daughter who is already proving to be a motivational speaker.

“It’s the first time I have had the match ball in my professional career,” said a delighted Nolan, who played just behind Nile Ranger and Andy Carroll. “The last time I scored a hat-trick was in a school final when I was 15. I didn’t get the match ball then but I’ve still got the shirt.

“I’ve scored a few braces in my time, but when the third one went in it was like, ‘it’s happened!’.

“I’ve got the ball for my daughter Jasmine. She always says before I leave the house, ‘go get a big goal daddy.’ I am absolutely delighted.”

Nolan always looked like a good signing for Newcastle, but like the rest of the United squad which crashed out of the top flight last season, he was a big disappointment following a £4m January move from the Reebok Stadium.

But the likeable Scouser has got himself in shape over the summer and insisted Newcastle were finally seeing what he can do when he is

fully fit and settled on Tyneside. He said: “The last couple of seasons I have been struggling with injuries, ankle problems and rib problems.