Magpies striker Best shows he can be better

Mar 6 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton is not concerned by Leon Best’s lack of goals as he insisted he has already shown enough to confirm why Newcastle United signed him in January.

Best has failed to score in six games so far and Hughton conceded he will not be truly happy or settled until he has broken that duck following his January move from Coventry City.

But United’s manager is satisfied with his overall performances and pleased with the speed with which he has become a popular member of a close-knit squad.

He said: “He's settled in very well. I’ve been delighted by what I've seen in games and on the training pitch. The ideal scenario would be that he comes and has a big contribution in games and scores goals. That would be the ideal scenario.

“He hasn't been able to score goals at the moment, and I think we all know what that can do to players in terms of their confidence.

“But I've seen enough in Leon in the period of time that he's been here to know that he is a talent and that he has an ability. I've no doubt it's only a matter of time until he starts scoring.”

Best may well find himself back on the substitute’s bench against Barnsley today as Peter Løvenkrands has recovered from injury.

But Hughton feels the presence of the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international has had a positive impact in more ways than one. He said: “As long as they feel part of things, it’s okay. I look at the game at Watford – we scored two goals and Leon Best was the first one there to congratulate them on both occasions. That's genuine.

“If you feel somebody is isolated a bit, you might worry, but I don't get that feeling with him. I feel he's playing a big part in what we're trying to achieve, the only thing he hasn't got at the end of it is goals. I'm sure they'll come.

"A major part of what you want up front is competition for places – you're either in the team doing well, or you're applying pressure on the other people who want to play. He's part of five forwards that we have, and I want them to continue to push for competition.”