DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa hails ‘goosebumps’ debut for Newcastle United
Yoane Wissa said he felt “goosebumps” after finally making his Newcastle United debut in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Burnley at St James’ Park.
The DR Congo forward, who joined the club from Brentford for 55 million pounds in September, saw his first appearance delayed by a knee injury sustained on international duty.
The 29-year-old replaced Nick Woltemade in the 75th minute and received a loud welcome from supporters eager to see the summer signing in action.
Wissa said the reception added to the emotion of the moment. He added that the club’s depth offers genuine potential for an impressive campaign.
“It has been a long time coming,” Wissa told the BBC after Saturday’s match. “Over the last 11 weeks, I’ve learned about the team and the players. It has been a long road but I’m happy in the end.
“It gave me goosebumps (when I came on). I’m buzzing now.
“It can be an excellent season because we have so many quality players.”
Eddie Howe welcomed the forward’s return but urged patience as Wissa regains full sharpness.
The Newcastle manager said the former Brentford attacker remains short of optimal conditioning after his extended layoff.
“A real lift to have such a quality player back into our ranks,” Howe told Newcastle in an interview.
“He’s quite a long way short of his best physical levels. That’s just with the injury that he’s had and the time that he’s had out. We’re going to have to build him up slowly but surely and try and get him back to his very best.
“But a very exciting player to have.”
Newcastle will retain Wissa throughout January, as he was not named in DR Congo’s Africa Cup of Nations squad. That decision removes a potential disruption during a key period of the Premier League season.
The victory over Burnley lifted Newcastle to 22 points from 15 matches, placing them 11th in the standings.
The club now shifts focus to the Champions League, with a challenging trip to Bayer Leverkusen scheduled for Wednesday.
