LOMANA LUALUA will put up with the 'supersub' label he hates if it means he's a derby hero for Newcastle against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

The Congo striker, desperate to hold down a place in Sir Bobby Robson's side, hasn't started a Premiership game for eight months - despite starring against Juventus, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

LuaLua was particularly impressive when he scored on his last senior start in the 3-1 victory away to Leverkusen in February.

Shola Ameobi, who struck twice, teamed up with close friend LuaLua to deputise for skipper Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy.

But, like England Under-21 star Ameobi, LuaLua knows he must bide his time in the shadow of Shearer and his regular sidekick.

LuaLua, 22, is likely to be on the bench again today as Newcastle look to get back on track in their push for a Champions League return next season.

Monday's disappointing 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa, in which sub LuaLua almost emerged as a match-winner when he hit the bar, followed a run of three defeats.

LuaLua insists he appreciates the significance of a derby occasion more than he did shortly after his arrival from Colchester in a £2.25m two seasons ago.

"I played in derbies (against Middlesbrough and Sunderland) not long after I joined, but I didn't realise what they meant,'' he admitted.

"Now I know, and if I don't start I can still hopefully play some part in the game.

"I don't want the tag of supersub, but I wouldn't complain if I was a supersub this time. You have to make the most of it when you get the chance.

"It's hard for me and Shola. We are learning and hopefully things will change next season. It's a bit frustrating. You just have to keep working. It's coming to a time when I need a few more games.

"At times you get stressed, but we are a young side and I believe that me and Shola will get chances.

"I can't say we should both be playing because we have two of the best players around in front of us.

"You can't blame the manager and expect him to leave out two of his best players. He has a hard decision and all we can do is try to show him we are ready.

"It's been a long time since I scored. If my shot had gone in on Monday, it would have made life easier for the club.''

LuaLua has another three years on his contract - and the born-again Christian is keeping the faith.

"My religion has helped me in life to be patient,'' he said.

"I believe God got me into the Newcastle team and there will be time for me to shine. I just want to play."

Former gymnast LuaLua marks each of his goals with a spectacular series of somersaults.

But he revealed he has been forced to curtail his celebrations. "I've had a bit of a knee injury and I cut down because I didn't want to make it any worse,'' he admitted.

"I'm trying to learn a new celebration - but I have to play and score first."

LuaLua could be competing with Ameobi for a place in the final game of the season at West Brom, when Bellamy is suspended pending any appeal.

"Shola and me are friends, but if we get the chance we both want to show the manager what we can do,'' said LuaLua.

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