Harewood vows to prove his worth to Magpies

Nov 13 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“When I was younger I don’t know if it would have affected me more, I don’t think so. When I was at Nottingham Forest the team got a lot of criticism because we were going down.

“I wasn’t getting it per se, but the team did. It was hard to keep going out there and trying to pick yourself up after you got knocked down week after week, but you have to. That’s how I see it here.

“At the end of the day I’m a professional footballer. This is my job and I have to try and overcome it, get on with things and hopefully change people’s opinions about me out on the pitch.

“You know, when I came here, I didn’t expect to be treated like this, but it’s happened and I’ve got to deal with it. I wanted to do well when I came here and that hasn’t changed.”

Actions will always speak louder than words, but Harewood’s reaction has been an impressive one and he retains the support of his temporary teammates.

Whether he has done enough to persuade manager Chris Hughton he deserves a longer stay - an extended loan rather than a permanent move would appear the likeliest scenario - is open to question, but Harewood is clear about his ideal outcome.

He explained: “If Chris wants me, I’d definitely still want to stay. To be part of this group of lads has been fantastic for me and they have supported me through everything.

“The team is flying at the moment and this is a good place to be despite whatever criticism I may have received. I’d love to join them and carry that on and get promoted back to the Premier League.

“It’s been fantastic ever since I arrived at the club. It’s just carried on from day one and so far so good. I’ve not really thought too much about what happens at the end of the three months.

“I don’t really get involved with that and nobody has said anything to me about extending it. All I want to do is do as well as I can while I’m here, however long that might be. If I can stay I’ll be happy to do so, but if I have to go back that is something I’ll have to accept.

“It has been hard at times. I haven’t been playing first team football regularly and it has taken me some time to get going again.

“It’s been stop-start a little bit because I’m still trying to get my best form back, but it’s been good whenever Chris has played me. I know I can do a lot better, but the only way that is going to happen is with hard work and that is what I’m trying to do.”