The season ended too soon for Lua-Lua.....

Last updated : 19 May 2002 By Luke Thornhill
After a year in which he struggled to get off the substittutes bench, he was finally handed a chance in the starting lineup as Craig Bellamy sat out throguh injury.

His phenomenal display in the 6-2 thrashing of Everton was the catalyst for his run in the side.

"It was something I'd always been waiting for since the start of the season," declared the young striker, signed from second division Colchester United.

"I was being patient but there were times when I thought `what am I doing wrong?'. I wanted to be given a chance. God heard my prayers and I got my place.

"In a way I wish the season wasn't ending now but the gaffer knows what I'm capable of doing. There were people saying he couldn't play me from the start so that's good news for me, basically. He knows if he plays me I will do my best.

"I want to say thanks to the fans. They're the ones who have helped me.

"There were times when my head could have gone down.

"John Carver's been there for me, Kieron Dyer as well. They've all been pushing me."