World Cup winger’s two-word message to club ahead of Newcastle United summer move

Garang Kuol has thanked Hearts after his half-season loan spell from Newcastle United came to an end on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies fended off competition from several European clubs to sign the 18-year-old from A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners for a reported £300,000.

Australian international Kuol officially moved to St James’ Park in January, just weeks after becoming the youngest player since Pele to appear in the World Cup knockout stages.

Kuol was immediately made available for loan and Scottish Premiership side Hearts won the race for his signature. But as far as game time goes, the move didn’t go to plan.

The young forward made just nine appearances, including just one start, and was an unused substitute for the final game of the campaign against Hibernian yesterday, despite scoring a late equaliser at Rangers in midweek.

Despite a frustrating spell in Scotland, Kuol was keen to show his appreciation to the Jam Tarts and posted a simple “thank you” message on his Instagram story.

And speaking after scoring at Ibrox on Wednesday, Kuol added: “People look at the game time as a negative, and obviously it’s not ideal. At the end of the day, what I’m doing in training every day is what makes me a better player.

“A lot of people look past that, look at the game time and they make it a whole negative story. I’m very happy that I came here, I’ve met some wonderful people, the coaches, and hopefully, I can just keep developing.”

Kuol will return to Newcastle’s Benton training base for the start of pre-season to discuss his development, which will likely lead to another loan spell.

“We’re really pleased he scored, and delighted for him,” said Howe on Friday. “It’s been a tough loan spell for him, but hopefully there’s some real positivity to take into the summer for him, off the back of that goal.

“I think it’s probably too early for him to be part of our first-team picture here next year. I think potentially another loan spell will do him good as he continues to develop to the pace of this league.”

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