Yoan Gouffran says the smile is back on his face after a difficult 2015/16 season



By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor



Man-of-the-moment Yoan Gouffran says he's playing with a smile on his face once again.

The Frenchman fell out of favour last season, making only nine appearances as Newcastle were relegated from the top flight, but he's worked his way into Rafa Benitez's plans this term and has played a big role in the Magpies' four-game winning run in the league.

He followed up an excellent display in the 2-0 win over Brighton with a stunning volley to open the scoring at Derby on Saturday - his first goal since January 2015.

And he admitted that his current form is all the sweeter after emerging from a difficult period at St. James' Park.

"It was a long wait, but I didn't play a lot so now I enjoy it," Gouffran told nufcTV. "To score a goal is good to feel.

"Firstly, I wanted to block the defender for Jamaal (Lascelles) and I was alone so I took my chance and I scored.

"We work on it (volleying and shooting) on the training ground with the manager and the assistants.

"I'm really happy. It was hard last year because I did not play a lot, so every game I play now, I enjoy it.

"I'm 30; it's not really old but I enjoy all the games I play. I hope we win again on Tuesday and we're promoted at the end of the season."

Gouffran was replaced by DeAndre Yedlin in the 72nd minute at the iPro Stadium - and the substitute scored United's second of the evening in stoppage time.

And Gouffran explained: "It's hard to be sub because you enjoy the game, but like a fan. It's like you're playing the PlayStation!

"But you have to support the team-mates and I'm happy because they scored.

"It's really good because the guys who came from the bench gave everything when they came on the pitch, and before the game they supported the team who were starting, so I think we've got a good fighting spirit.

"Everybody fights for each other and it's a good thing for the team."

Newcastle travel to Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm) and Gouffran said: "It's going to be a tough game but we've won four games in a row so we have the confidence to win on Tuesday and I hope we win."

You can watch the full nufcTV interview with Yoan Gouffran here