Forgotten NUFC winger Rolando Aarons has admitted that he is becoming more and more frustrated by his lack of game time, but has maintained his wish to focus on working hard in training to get his chance opposed to going out on loan in January.
The 21-year old winger has featured just once in the first team this season, with a stunning goal and assist in the League cup defeat to Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.
Rolando Aarons – Newcastle United 2-2 Nottingham Forest – 23rd August 2017#nffc #nffcfans #nufc #ToonArmy pic.twitter.com/pV5t60uXJg
— EFL Goals (@EFLBangers) August 24, 2017
Since then he hasn’t made a matchday squad in the Premier League, instead putting himself forward to play for the U-23’s in a bid to catch Benitez’s eye – something Rafa has praised the youngster for, having come knocking on his door to demand game time wherever he can get it.
Here’s what he told The Chronicle this week when speaking about his situation at NUFC:
“Every week I am not in the squad I am more and more frustrated.
“But I am just trying to work on channelling myself the right way and get involved in those games.
“I will continue to be focused and work hard in training.
“Obviously I want to be playing in the first team.
“No offence to these lads (Under-21s) but I don’t want to be here.
“I know I just have to keep battling and I will get my chance.”
As stated by The Chronicle, Aarons asked to play for the second string at Oldham Athletic in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday – the same night some his first team colleagues were suited and booted at an awards dinner to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.
? @RolandoAarons in action for #NUFC U-23's in their 4-1 Checktrade Trophy defeat at Oldham on Tuesday night ??⚫️⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/VqOa2EixPG
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) November 9, 2017
Beardsley’s men were dumped out after a 4-1 defeat, but Aaron’s was one of our better performers, getting his name on the scoresheet with a consolation strike:
“It was a cup game and I am disappointed we went out – it is good to be playing again after the injuries I’ve had before though.
“Whether it’s for the first team or the reserves it’s good to get out and play. You can only get better playing with better players.
“Getting minutes in games like Oldham will only help me.
“I will just keep doing what I am doing and hopefully I will get my chance.”
“I am disappointed because I should have had about four- but I am happy to just be playing.
“I’m the same when I with the first team.
“I feel like I have the extra responsibility, whether it’s reserves or first team – I want to be the best player on the pitch and win the game.
“I was disappointed not to do that at Oldham and help the boys more.”
Finally, here’s what Aarons had to say when asked if a January loan move could be a solution to his lack of first team football:
“I just think about working in training.
“I don’t look too far ahead, it’s too early.
“For all you know I might be playing against Man United, I’m not sure yet.”
Personally, unless he’s about to oust out of sorts Jacob Murphy from the bench, I think a loan move for Rolando is by far the best option.
He may only got backwards playing in the reserves, so some senior football with a side in the Championship could do his form, fitness and confidence levels the world of good.
He’s an undoubted talent, but he needs a break and an opportunity to impress if he’s ever going to make it at NUFC.
Aarons is a great player, and when fit would be in anyone’s team before Murphy..
He has been misquoted by all the press, he simply said he doesn’t want to be with the U21’s but wants to be in the 1st team…Would be a shocking error if they let him leave in Jan.
BillytheFish(Quote)
If he doesn’t get his first team chance ASAP, I’d let him leave on loan in January – provided we got in a replacement?
Olly Hawkins(Quote)