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Kemen Keen To Catch The Eye
Written by Newcastle Utd
Wednesday night's Barclays Under-21 Premier League game against Derby offers another chance for Olivier Kemen to impress
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Olivier Kemen believes that every under-21 game is an opportunity for him to impress as he closes in on his Barclays Premier League debut.
The French teenager, who was named on the first team bench for United's matches against Arsenal and Sunderland, is likely to line up in midfield for Peter Beardsley's second-string against Derby on Wednesday evening
And, with head coach John Carver certain to be watching from the stands, Kemen sees the fixture as another audition.
Kick-off at St. James' Park is at 7pm and Kemen told nufcTV: "It's good for me because I've been with the first team and I think I've progressed.
"When I go with the Reserve team, I feel great. It's not the case that because I've been with the first team I won't work hard with the (under-21) team.
"I keep working, keep working. Every game, whether it's with the first team, the Reserves or the under-19s for France, I have to be ready to battle in the game."
Kemen, 18, joined Newcastle from Metz in the summer of 2013 and, having impressed during last season's run to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals, the tough-tackling youngster has been a regular at under-21 level this term.
In recent weeks - partly because of a raft of injuries and suspensions - he's become increasingly involved with the senior squad too, but knows that he can't let his standards slip.
"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," he explained.
"John Carver has always said to me, 'Oli, if you want to be there you have to work.'
"Hard work always pays off so I keep working. I've been on the bench and I'm very happy. Now I have to keep working.
"I can't stop working because I've been on the bench. That's not a good mentality.
"Now I want more. I want to keep working to make my debut - then keep pushing."
Admission at St. James' Park on Wednesday night is free for season ticket holders and Members, otherwise £3 for adults and £1 concessions.
Click here to watch the full nufcTV interview with Olivier Kemen