Press article:

Nobby glad to face battle for his place - 30/07/2003

Nobby Solano is relishing the prospect of a midfield battle at St James's Park this season.

The Newcastle United winger has been almost an automatic choice since he came to Tyneside as Kenny Dalglish's final signing in a move from Boca Juniors five years ago.

Now the arrival of both Lee Bowyer and Darren Ambrose means that competition down the right-hand side in the United team is really hotting up.

Solano said today: "If there is competition for places this season then that does not frighten me, as it is normal at a big football club. "It's the same at Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, so why should it be any different with Newcastle United? "I don't expect any special treatment but all I can do is to go out and do my best every time the manager gives me my chance."

Meanwhile, Solano, who has taken crucial penalties for both United and Peru in the past, took the time to show his sympathy with Jermaine Jenas, whose blunder on Sunday saw the Asia Cup handed to Chelsea. The South American winger admitted: "I really felt sorry for JJ. It's not easy taking a penalty and it doesn't matter whether it is a big game or a pre-season friendly - you still feel the pressure. I don't know what JJ was trying to do but all he can do is learn from it."

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

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