Chris Wood believes he has more to offer Newcastle United

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Chris Wood has vowed that he can play a lot better than he has done for Newcastle United, admitting that he wants to stay at St James’ Park.

The 31-year-old joined Newcastle at the start of the year, signing from Burnley for £25million. He was a needs must signing, with the Magpies desperate for a striker after Callum Wilson’s injury.

Fast forward to the end of 2022 and Wood is Newcastle’s third choice striker. Wilson is back fit and ahead of him, while the club broke their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. He has barely featured due to injury, but has a very bright future on Tyneside.

As for Wood, his future has been up in the air. The Athletic previously reported that Newcastle will look to replace him in 2023, having offered him to Watford during the summer.

But the New Zealander looks set to stay in January, with the Telegraph claiming that Howe is very keen to keep the striker at the club beyond the upcoming transfer window.

Now Wood has spoke about his future, and confirmed that he plans to stay exactly where he is.

Chris Wood thinks he can play better

The forward has been speaking to the Chronicle, and was asked if he intends to stay at Newcastle.

“100% – especially with the way the clubs is going, I’d love to be here long-term. Or even longer than I will be,” he said.

“I still believe I have a big part to play here. I have not shown my best football here yet but hopefully I can do that given the chance. If not I am here to support the club and push them in the right direction. I am committed here and want to be here. I have played in every game expect one.

“Whatever capacity it is, I want to be here and help the manager. Whichever sees fit, if it’s five minutes and seeing a game out, I am here to do it, work hard and press. If it’s starting the game, scoring goals and working hard, I’m here to do that. My future is definitely here.”

Time for Wood to let his football do the talking

Wood believes he hasn’t shown his best football in a Newcastle shirt. That is clear to see, as he has only managed four goals in Toon colours since his arrival. In contrast, he was regularly hitting double figures for Burnley.

But he has had a very different role under Howe. While the goals haven’t flowed, he has been very important. He has led the line well and pressed, getting more out of the players around him.

The New Zealand international has worked well with Allan Saint-Maximin, often covering him on the left after one of the Frenchman’s mazy runs.

However, it must be very difficult for Wood. While he has featured in all but one game this season, a lot of his appearances have been off the bench. He hasn’t been able to get on a proper run, which is a shame as he is a very streaky player when it comes to goals.

And with Wilson back from the World Cup and Isak nearing a return to fitness, it is difficult to see when Wood will get the chances he needs to play as well as he thinks he can for the Magpies.