Rolando Aarons says the end of the season couldn't have come at a worse time for him after his goal on Sunday



By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

After bagging his first goal of the campaign in the 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Rolando Aarons says the end of the season couldn't have come at a worse time for him.

The 20-year-old winger came on for Georginio Wijnaldum with just under quarter of an hour left at St. James' Park, and he immediately made his presence felt.

Aarons lashed in the Magpies' fourth goal of the afternoon in front of the Gallowgate End before breaking away and laying on the fifth for full back Daryl Janmaat.

And the England under-21 international is ruing the end of the campaign coming just as he is getting into his stride under manager Rafa Benitez.

"I've found it very tough to get opportunities, and obviously I've waited until the last game of the season, but I love playing for Newcastle. I love scoring goals. It's what I love doing," Aarons told nufc.co.uk.

"I'm gutted now the season's finished, but I can't wait to start playing football regularly.

"I've been waiting for my opportunity to come on and show what I can do, but I haven't really got the opportunity in that position this season through injuries. I'm happy to score and assist, because that's what I love doing. I love playing further forward."

Sunday's victory over Mauricio Pochettino's side extended United's unbeaten run to six games.

Benitez's men repeatedly carved open a Spurs outfit who, before Sunday, boasted the best defensive record in the top flight.

And Aarons believes that Newcastle showed just what they are capable of at the weekend, and insists that they stand a good chance of bouncing straight back up.

"Especially in the situation, we needed to end well, and I think everyone's really given it a go (on Sunday). We showed why maybe we could bounce straight back next year, and hopefully we do," he said.

"I think we've been very unlucky to get relegated - I think we just came into form at the wrong time in the season. Obviously, it hasn't been enough for us. I think we'll bounce straight back next season - you can see from performances like Sunday that we're a good team.

"Players like Andros, Gini and Mitro - the front three that started (against Tottenham) - you can see the quality that they bring the team, and hopefully they stick around next season to get us back up."