Kevin Could Be Vital At The Vitality

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Kevin Mbabu made his Barclays Premier League debut against reigning champions Chelsea and his second start against current leaders Manchester City.

His third could come at newly-promoted Bournemouth on Saturday - but the 20-year-old defender insists that facing the Cherries, who were in League Two five years ago, would be just as big as coming up against the likes of Pedro, David Silva and Jesus Navas.

While Daryl Janmaat looks to be winning his race to be fit in time to take to the field at the Vitality Stadium, Mbabu is on standby if the Dutchman fails to shake off the knee injury which forced him off against Stoke last weekend.

And the youngster told nufcTV: "Any Premier League game for me is the same. I will always have the same motivation because it's something I've always wanted.

"If I play against Bournemouth or Chelsea, Man City or any team, I will give 200 per cent every game.

"(Janmaat) will probably start the game but if anything happens, it could be me coming on, or maybe Jamaal (Lascelles). We'll see what the gaffer thinks, but I'll be here. I'll be ready."

Massadio Haidara suffered a groin injury in the under-21s' win over Aston Villa on Monday, so Mbabu could also act as cover for Wales international Paul Dummett.

Although naturally right-footed, both of Mbabu's top flight appearances came as a left-back and he said: "I'm a full-back and I can play both sides.

"I can also play centre back, but I quite like both positions. I don't mind at all whether I play left side or right side.

"Before the start of the season, I said to myself that it was my last year, I had one year left on my contract, and I had to give everything I have to show the Club.

"They bought me for a reason - they bought me because I was a good player - and that's what I've been trying to show because I've been fit most of the time, so I can show what I'm capable of.

"I'm trying to get back into the starting XI. I know it's going to be hard but I need to keep working and wait until I get another chance."

Bournemouth are without a win in five league games but remain one point and one place above Newcastle in the Barclays Premier League table.

"I know they have a good team," he said. "They're good on the sides - the full-backs and wingers are quite good - and 'Gos' (former Newcastle midfielder Dan Gosling) is there as well.

"But I think we have a chance to get the three points because we have a really good team, and I think we can win on Saturday."

Click here to watch the full nufcTV interview with Kevin Mbabu