'I can't wait for United debut', says Campbell
SOL Campbell is itching to return to the Premier League fray with Newcastle United.
The defender – who joined the club in July – made his debut in last night's 3-1 reserve win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
And Campbell is hopeful he'll be in the squad for the visit of Blackpool to St James's Park on September 11.
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The 35-year-old played 45 minutes of the second string derby alongside Matthew Grieve after undergoing an intensive fitness programme at Newcastle's Benton training base.
"I'm feeling really good – I've been training hard," Campbell told the Gazette. "For the first 10 minutes of the game I had to find my heart and lungs then, after a few minutes, I started enjoying it. It was a good workout – I needed games to get fit.
"That was the first time I'd played a game for three months, so it was good to get out there, feel my legs, run, tackle and get everything going. It was brilliant.
"There was a bit of bite out there, but you need that. You need to get as fit as you can between games.
"There are no games for the first team at the moment, and after missing all of the pre-season games, this was perfect for me.
"Hopefully I can be involved against Blackpool. I'm going to push for it.
"I've got another game next week, and I'll try to get at least 60 or 70 minutes out of myself.
"I just have to keep on pushing and working really hard on the training field.
"Things are coming together, and I'm feeling stronger and stronger, I'm just going to keep on building."
Peter Beardsley's reserve side were backed by more than 200 fans, and Campbell was happy to play a part in a Tyne-Wear success.
Nile Ranger and Peter Lovenkrands struck before the break, the latter scoring from the spot, and Ryan Taylor added a third in the second half.
Jordan Cook converted a penalty for a consolation goal late in the game.
Campbell added: "Any time you beat your rivals, it's always nice!
"The main thing for me is fitness and working out.
"It's good to get out there again, because there's no substitute for playing games."
Ironically, Sunderland were one of the other clubs interested in signing Campbell, a free agent after leaving Arsenal earlier in the summer.
However, the pull of United's supporters – and manager Chris Hughton, who he worked with at Tottenham Hotspur – swung it for the Londoner.
Campbell went on: "I love my football as well, so this is a perfect match.
"And Chris has done a fantastic job. The gaffer has done brilliant with what he's had. Now we just have to stay fit all season."
Campbell is likely to play against Liverpool reserves at Whitley Park on Tuesday.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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