Kluivert shoots for the top

By Tom Rollett

In 1995, Patrick Kluivert burst on to the European scene when he came off the bench to score AFC Ajax's winner in the UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan. But despite picking up a hatful of medals at Ajax, Milan and FC Barcelona, one trophy he has never lifted is the UEFA Cup.

Missing trophy
And as Kluivert's new club Newcastle United FC travel to Israel to face Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin FC in the second leg of their first-round tie on Thursday, the Dutch striker told uefa.com: "I would love to win the UEFA Cup because I've never been lucky enough to win it in my career. I won the Champions League and [UEFA] Super Cup with Ajax, but I've never lifted the UEFA Cup and that is something that I want to change.

Medal haul
"When I was playing for Barcelona we made it to the semi-finals in 2001, but unfortunately we lost to Liverpool [FC], who went on to win it," he added. "Every player wants to look back on his career and know he has won medals and trophies. If I could win the UEFA Cup with Newcastle, to add to what I have already won, I would be a very happy man."

Bad-tempered game
Newcastle won the first leg against Bnei Sakhnin 2-0, in what was new manager Graeme Souness' first match in charge. It was a bad-tempered affair with former Manchester United FC midfield player Nicky Butt and Bnei Sakhnin captain Abbas Swan both receiving their marching orders. A late rally by the visitors failed to produce a goal, which leaves Newcastle as favourites for the second leg.

European double
Kluivert goes into the match in good form, having scored three goals in Newcastle's three matches under Souness, including the two goals that sank Bnei Sakhnin at St James' Park. "It was a dream come true to score those goals in front of the Newcastle fans, but that is just the beginning," he said. "Now I want to go on and score many more. Hopefully that will include a goal in Israel, but the most important thing is that we win the tie and go into the group stages."

Veteran partnership
When Kluivert joined Newcastle from Barcelona, many observers saw him as a replacement for veteran striker Alan Shearer, but instead the pair have been playing up front together. "I am very positive about our partnership," said Kluivert. "I feel we are gelling well. But don't forget about Shola Ameobi and Craig Bellamy, who I have been very impressed with. From what I have seen we have the best four strikers in the Premiership."

Incredible noise
Despite predictions that the flamboyant Dutchman would never settle on Tyneside, he is already enjoying life in his adopted hometown - and winning over the initially sceptical Newcastle fans. "The Toon Army are the best fans I have ever played in front of and without a doubt the most passionate," he said. "I remember coming to St James' Park with Barcelona and no one could believe the noise they made. It is a privilege to play for them now. Everyone is so friendly and I love my life here. I have a great feeling about Newcastle."

Major target
If Kluivert helps Newcastle to win their first European trophy since they lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, the feeling will be mutual.

Patrick Kluivert's personal website is at www.icons.com