Mbemba ready for final push

The DR Congo international is vying with Grant Hanley and captain Jamaal Lascelles for a starting berth ahead of the visit of Preston North End (7.45pm kick-off), while fellow centre half Ciaran Clark could also come back into contention after a knee injury.

Mbemba has returned to the first team picture in April, having gone four months without a league appearance prior to the win over Burton earlier this month.

And in an exclusive interview with tonight’s official matchday programme, United, the 22-year-old spoke of his determination to earn his place, the mental strength he says has helped him force his way back into the fold and the “duty” he feels to perform in a black and white shirt.

“It’s important for me, because when I came here we were a Premier League team, and I was proud of that. If we get back up, which is our goal, then I’ll be even more proud,” he said.

“I see it as something I want to be involved in. All I can do is be there in training and give everything I have. I want to bring something a little extra to the team, but it’s down to the manager to make the choice who plays in these games.

“All I can say is that I’m always here for the team, I always have been. I want to help the team go up. If we do that, and achieve our goal, I’ll be proud. We’re going into battle in these three matches, and I want to fight to the end. It’s all down to mental strength.”

On the topic of showing his true ability in a Magpies shirt, Mbemba added: “It’s not about thinking about whether I can bring something else (to the team). It’s a duty – it’s an obligation of mine.

“I work hard, I give everything, and when I go out there, it’s not about thinking about doing something, it’s about the action of doing something. I see it as an obligation, a duty, to give more.”

Read the full interview with Mbemba – and much more – in Monday’s edition of United, which is available to purchase around St. James’ Park and in the club store at the stadium on Monday, priced at just £3.