Tough-talking Newcastle signing Aleksandar Mitrovic not afraid of Premier League defenders

Aleksandar Mitrovic says it will be a pleasure to play in front of the Newcastle crowd

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has warned Premier League defenders he will "kick them back" this season.

 

Newcastle's £13million summer signing from Anderlecht was a prolific marksman in the Belgian league and does not care who he roughs up in his bid to score goals by the bucketload.

"I have no direct message for defenders," he said. "They are going to kick me from the first minute and, of course, I will kick them back. That is normal for me. They will know all about me."

Mitrovic has modelled his game on Alan Shearer. "I've picked up a few scars during games," he said, proudly showing off two on the back of his head.

 

"This one was against Mechelen and that was in a game for Partizan. It proves I am prepared to go in where it hurts. If it means scoring goals, I will put my head anywhere."

Mitrovic has yet to open his Toon account after two pre-season run-outs but manager Steve McClaren saw enough in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach to predict the youngster will be a big hit in English football.

He claimed Mitrovic has "a bit of the devil inside him".

The player agrees - and his history backs them both up.

In only his fourth game for Anderlecht against Brugge two years ago, he was suspended after spitting in the direction of rival fans.

 

Later that same season, during a game which saw his side clinch the Belgian title, he was sent off for headbutting an opponent.

"I am a typical No9," he said. "I am always in the box, strong, good in the air and of course, I like getting stuck in. I play a physical game. This is my style and you can expect to see this from me on Sunday [against Southampton]."

And as for being a devil, Mitrovic will wear the label as a badge of honour. "We will see about that," he said. "But it is normal if you want to score goals and be the best, you need to have this inside you. You need to want to score in every game and fight hard to achieve it."

A return of 36 in 69 games for Anderlecht attracted the interest of Porto and Roma only for the striker to join Newcastle, who he claims he has supported since watching a Toon match on tv with his Partizan team-mates.

"I've always loved Newcastle because even when you are watching on tv, you can feel the passion of the crowd," added Mitrovic. "It will be a pleasure to play in front of them."