Enrique Plea To Sam - 'Don't Put Me On The Bench!

Last updated : 07 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Jose Enrique has been told by Allardyce that he won't be part of his plans for Saturday's Premiership opener at the Reebok.

But Enrique insists he is ready to be thrown straight into the frame against Bolton this weekend, because he is as fit as anyone in the squad.

United paid £6.3m for the Spanish Under-21 international from Villarreal and he wants to start and repay some of that money on Saturday.

Serbian centre-back Ivica Dragutinovic has told Big Sam "No" once already, but the 31-year-old could still become the eighth new player to arrive at St James's Park this summer.

Enrique: "I am ready to go and if Sam wants to play me this weekend I am ready.

"English football is fast and physical, especially for defenders. Strikers like to get stuck in, but that isn't a problem for me. It has all happened very quickly.
"It is a great challenge to play in the Premiership, but I am under no illusions that it will be easy. I know just what an historic club Newcastle is and I am excited by the plans the directors and board have for the club."