Take your chance Alberto - Moncur
The latest part of inspirational former skipper Bob Moncur's Italian diary sees him run the rule over Albert Luque
Bob Moncur is hoping that Albert Luque can rise to the occasion tonight here in Palermo.
Moncur has been left frustrated by the Spaniard's lack of passion in the past and even invited Luque to come and punch him on the nose in August just to prove he cared.
However, Luque's career at Newcastle still doesn't look like taking off.
The former Deportivo la Coruna star, however, may get thrown his chance up front tonight against the Sicilians.
And Moncur - the last man to lift a trophy for Newcastle - said today from Palermo: "It really is another big chance for Albert.
"And as I have said many times I hope he takes it and proves me wrong.
"Given his past form you'd say that won't happen but we have witnessed some good performances in the reserves the other month when he scored twice against Liverpool, so he can do it when he wants to.
"He also scored over 50 times in La Liga which tells you a lot.
"And who knows?
"Palermo in the UEFA Cup may be the ideal stage for him."
Moncur enjoyed a trip down memory lane in Milan as he reflected on Newcastle's clash against Inter in the 1970s.
And thumbing through the Italian papers this morning he admitted there is a chance for United to get another famous result.
He added: "Form doesn't favour us at the moment and I won't sound unrealistic saying we can do this or that.
"But judging from the newspapers and the fans over here, the UEFA Cup is not really a priority for them.
"They are looking at winning Serie A no less.
"That says that it may be tough but in football when you are distracted with the League, it is easy to pull out of challenges and keep fit for the League games.
"Let's hope that Newcastle can take advantage of that."
Do you agree or disagree with Moncur?
Leave your comments for Bob below on your views on Luque and Palermo.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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I disagree with Bob re-luque, if the guy had been enough chances as say Ameobi then he can pass judgement, but how can you judge him while he is sitting on the bench, or given 10-20 mins as a sub. The guy needs a run in team as given to GR and FS favorites such as Ameobi and Bramble. Then make a judgement on him as we the fans will, he has done no wrong since he came here and his goal ratio is good compared to others who have been given more chances. No lets not judge him or anyone else in his situation until he has been given a fair run in the team.
I have to say I disagree with Bob - I think Rob's comment pretty much sums my feelings up. Luque has never played more than twice in a row under GR, and when he does get the privelage of 10-20 minutes in the team it's usually in an unnatural position. He's never slagged the club off and he's always said how desperate he is to do well for us. He just hasn't been given half a chance yet - you cannot judge a football player without seeing him play football. Put him in a familiar position in the team and leave him there for a good 5-10 games. THEN judge him.
And by the way, when Bob said he'd be happy for Luque to punch him in the face if it meant him showing some passion, I thought this was an absolutely appauling thing to say. He had come on at 2-0 down away to Villa, we then went down to 10 men and he had to lead the line (again, unnatural position) in a struggling team with the game effectively over, constantly crowded out by Villa defenders. Why scapegoat him for the defeat? Why single him out for criticism? Why not just leave him alone and SUPPORT him? He has never had a fair chance to prove himself - a highly respected figure like yourself should be setting a much better example.