Newcastle Midfielder Desperate To Start Toon Career From "Scratch"

Newcastle United attacking-midfielder Haris Vuckic has pleaded with new head coach Steve McClaren to give him a "chance" to prove himself - because he is desperate to start from "scratch" and force his way into the Magpies first team. Vuckic was farmed out on loan to Scottish Championship side Rangers in February after interim head coach John Carver made it clear the attacking-midfielder did not fit into his plans. However, the Slovenian believes McClaren will start with a clean slate and that he could be given the opportunity to prove himself by the former England boss - but if not, he will look for pastures new.

Speaking to Slovenian outlet Nogomania, Vuckic said:

"Absolutely (I want to be given a chance to impress at Newcastle) - I just lacked the confidence and continuity (before). "I hope the new coach (McClaren) gives me a chance. I have not even talked to him, but I read that he is starting from scratch. "If I get a chance at Newcastle, great, otherwise I will move on. If you do not play, you get forgotten quickly. "But, I am not a confrontational man, so I'm certainly not looking for conflict with the coach."

Slovenia head coach Srecko Katanec criticised Vuckic€™s decision to move north of the border to play in the Scottish Championship for the Ibrox side last month and that could well have affected the midfielder's thinking. As well as revealing his disappointment in Vuckic, Katanec also said he was unimpressed by the "quality of the league" in which Rangers were plying their trade.

Speaking about Vuckic€™s international future following the commencement of the 22-year-old€™s six-month loan in Glasgow, Katanec said:

"Haris played for Rangers in the second division in Scotland. "I was disappointed, not just with him, but with the quality of the league he was playing in. "I would have thought Rangers would have had a better team."

In 18 appearances for Rangers, Vuckic contributed nine goals but was unable to help the club win promotion back to the Scottish Premier League after they lost the two-legged play-off final to Motherwell. Capped once by his country, Vuckic has made 19 senior appearances for Newcastle to date and he has been loaned to Cardiff City, Rotherham United and Rangers during his time on Tyneside. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.