SALOMON RONDON accepts he needs to add more goals to his Newcastle United tally to stay at St James’ Park beyond this season.

The Venezuelan striker has had a stuttering start to a season-long loan on Tyneside because of injury and being in and out of the team.

But he turned in a match winning performance against Bournemouth last weekend when he scored twice, and almost had a hat-trick, to net his first Premier League goals for Newcastle.

The Magpies have been crying out for a striker in his mould under Rafa Benitez but nothing is guaranteed as to whether he will stay.

“To do that I have to score goals,” said Rondon. “I’ve started scoring, and I have to keep working. I have to keep doing that to stay.”

The 29-year-old had a £16m release clause in his contract at West Brom in the summer following relegation but Newcastle were reluctant to match that. There is no agreement in place that will see him become a Newcastle player permanently.

But he is happy at Newcastle and has hinted previously so are is family, so in an ideal world he will make a success of the switch and continue to wear the black and white striped shirt.

“This is a good question, but I never say the numbers,” said Rondon. “The most important thing for strikers is to score goals, and even more important is the team. I try to help the team. I came here to help the team.”

Last season Dwight Gayle was the man Newcastle turned to the most to lead the line. Gayle replaced Rondon at West Brom and the former Crystal Palace striker has been scoring regularly in the Championship.

Gayle thinks it is unfair he is labelled a second tier striker and firmly believes he should have a greater opportunity in the Premier League.

“It might not be the fairest thing but everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” he said. “You’ve got to perform at the level to prove them wrong I suppose. You’ve obviously got to wait for the opportunity to do it, but you’ve got to get yourself there in the first place. I have the confidence to do it.”