Xisco Given Another Chance

Last updated : 12 November 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

Nobody who was present at Whitley Park to witness Xisco dramatic hat-trick against Stoke City reserves genuinely expected to see the Spaniard jump into Newcastle United's starting XI against Brugge last week in the Europa League ... even though he was in the squad.

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We all know football isn't as easy that.

Xisco has only scored one goal at first team level and if he plays another minute at first team level it would be considered a major turnaround - because MikeAshley wants him off the books!

Apparently he got a standing ovation from the 221 people who turned out to see him against Stoke's kids.

He is here on Tyneside until at least January and Alan Pardew constantly praises his professional attitude.

It would also be easy to mope around the training ground and go through the motions, and there are many Toon "stars" who have refused to turn out for the reserves.

But XIsco is simply keeping his head down and trying his best to catch the eye of the manager.

What was also noteworthy was Xisco's decision to sit on the bench after being subbed so he could cheer on his young team-mates, quite often senior players disappear up the tunnel to be first in the shower before heading home before the game is complete.

Don't forget Albert Luque once played 11 minutes of a reserve game and then went home!

As Xisco stood in the lashing rain after the reserve game with Stoke it was obvious that this was a player that cared about his football - and he may even care about Newcastle United - at long last!