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Leicester City loanee Islam Slimani vows to fight for his place at Newcastle United

By Harneet Singh Sethi

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Islam Slimani of Leicester City reacts during the Caraboa Cup Fourth Round match between Leicester City and Leeds United at The King Power Stadium on October 24, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Islam Slimani of Leicester City reacts during the Caraboa Cup Fourth Round match between Leicester City and Leeds United at The King Power Stadium on October 24, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City’s Islam Slimani has vowed to fight for his place at Newcastle United as the Magpies eye Premier League survival.

The Algerian was loaned out to St. James’ Park for the remainder of the season in the January transfer window, though he is yet to make an appearance for Rafael Benitez’s side.

The 29-year old is still recovering from a thigh injury that he sustained while he was still at Leicester City, and having missed the fixtures against Burnley, Crystal Palace and Manchester United, he might finally be available for selection later this week against AFC Bournemouth.

However, a starting place is by no means a guarantee, with Ayoze Perez, Joselu and Dwight Gayle to compete with, meaning that Islam Slimani would have to earn a place.

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Speaking to the Chronicle, the Algeria international told that he is ready to give it his all to play as much as possible. He said:

"“I like to play regularly. That’s what my aim is and that’s what I have always wanted to do.“I am going to fight for my place and be able to play as much as possible. Football is my passion and I want to show what I can do.”"

Slimani was also asked if he is feeling the heat yet, having only managed 13 goals with Leicester City and just four this season. The former Sporting CP striker had an interesting answer, and one that’ll instantly endear him to the Toon Army.

"“The most important thing for me is to win games, that comes before me scoring personally or personal glory.“No matter who scores the most important thing is to win. Obviously, I want to get goals as quickly as possible but points come first.”"

Islam Slimani was also full of praise for what he learned during his time at Sporting in Portugal. He scored 57 goals (and 15 assists) in 111 appearances for the Liga NOS giants, forming a reputation as a “proper” goalscorer. He feels that the time spent there has prepared him really well to be a hit in England.

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"“I played in Portugal first and I learned so much out there.“It put me in good stead to come and play in the Premier League and I now feel ready.“It is a big dream for me to play in the Premier League. For me and my family it is a very proud moment to play for a club like Newcastle United.“Everybody in Algeria is very, very proud of me. The people there are following my career.”"

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