Garang Kuol says Newcastle United have been keeping a watchful eye on his progress at Scottish Premiership side Hearts. The Jam Tarts are third in the division and hoping to secure European football next season, but Kuol has been limited to just five appearances - four of those off the bench..
Nonetheless, the Australian international isn't letting his lack of game time get him down and he's showcasing a resolute mentality as he hopes to force his way into Robbie Nielson's side. Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, Kuol said: "Yeah, 100 per cent. It’s up to me and what I do in training. I’m going to keep working hard in training to put pressure on the gaffer.
"The aim is to get a start, try to start well and then keep starting. The manager has told me to work hard every day to put pressure on him and the other strikers in my position.”
READ MORE: Australia coach lifts the lid on Newcastle loanee Garang Kuol plan after tough start at Hearts
The young Magpies striker has full faith in his ability to find the back of the net and break into the side, but knows he's competing with experienced pros at Tynecastle Park. Lawrence Shankland, Stephen Humphrys, Josh Ginnelly and Yutaro Oda are the four currently in front of Kuol in the final third.
“I feel, when I come on, regardless of where I play, I should be able to create something," Kuol said. "That’s all that matters. I’ve had opportunities [to score] so it’s just about keeping knocking on the door."
Hearts are flying high in the Scottish Premiership, but were beaten 2-0 by Motherwell in an unexpected slip up. Kuol said: “The boys are going to work hard in training, see what the problem has been and focus on what is going to help us get back to winning ways.
"Of course we are still in a good position but we want to be winning every week. That’s the goal. I think the gaffer is going to keep hammering us to keep that winning mentality.
"The gaffer has huge demands. That’s a good thing for us as a team. He wants to instill this winning mentality into us, and the boys have it as well. For him to keep putting those demands on us is what the team needs."
Kuol has gone from sitting in a classroom two years ago, to playing in the World Cup and earning his dream move to the Premier League and Newcastle. He may not be playing as much as he'd like, but it's all part of the development process.
“It’s good, I’m training every day and that’s what I dreamed of doing since I was a kid," he said. "It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. As long as I’m doing that, I’m happy.
“The level of players here are better, my team-mates are better. It’s really good and I’m loving it. The boys are all a good bunch of guys. They are all supporting me and there is good camaraderie.”
Kuol knows Newcastle are watching. “Yeah, of course," he said. "You get contact from the guys down there saying 'good luck' and stuff like that. It’s good and encouraging that they are keeping an eye on what I’m doing.”
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