LOMANA LuaLua last night told Newcastle United boss Bobby Robson: 'You were wrong to drop me.'
The eccentric striker exploded into the new season, scoring four goals in five games for the Magpies.
But after returning from international duty - playing for DR Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier defeat - LuaLua was rested for the clash with Leeds a week ago.
And then the 21-year-old was left out of Bobby Robson's matchday squad for the trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
Now, after the 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, LuaLua is hoping for a recall from Robson for tomorrow night's Champions League opener with Dynamo Kiev.
"I cannot believe I have been dropped to be honest," he said. "I thought I had started the season well and then suddenly I'm not even on the bench. It has really hurt me.
"I'm only human and it is gutting to be dropped so suddenly. I'm not going to hide the fact I'm hurt, I've got to be honest about the situation.
"I guess I've just got to keep my head down and wait for another chance now. Hopefully the manager will bring me back for the Champions League."
With the return from injury of Craig Bellamy, LuaLua is unlikely to find himself back in the starting XI in the Ukraine tomorrow.
But the striker insists he will be waiting in the wings and he will be ready to make a name for himself on the European stage - somewhere he believes Newcastle deserve to be.
"The Champions League is just reward for all the hardwork we did last year," said the former Colchester star.
"We gave everything to qualify, and we are really looking forward to it.
"I just want to be able to play my part as well. I want to prove myself and show everyone what I can do.
"I came into football late and was only playing in the lower leagues a couple of seasons ago. Now I'm part of a team playing in the biggest competition in club football.
"I never dreamt it would happen so quickly, but I just have to thank God for the chance he has given me.
"It was hard for me at first, but I think I'm starting to find my feet now and I want to be back involved in the first team as I think I've proved I have something to offer."
The trip to Kiev for the Group E clash is the start of an important four days for Newcastle, who are currently second bottom of the Premiership.
After returning from the Ukraine, Sir Bobby's side will have to quickly switch their attentions to Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.
And LuaLua is convinced that two good results will see Newcastle climb back up the League to where he believes they belong.
"We have lost a couple of games, but you have to get on with the next game," he said.
"The game against Kiev is massive and then we have the derby against Sunderland. It is a big week for us."
Meanwhile, Robson, whose side have won just once in the Premiership this season, admits the defeat at Chelsea has given his side extra incentive to claim victory in Kiev.
"When you lose, the next game always becomes that little bit more important," he said. "We need to bounce back with victories and the fact that our next two games are so big is not lost on us.
"We have to go to Kiev and try to get a positive result. I don't think it's a case of saying we have to stop the rot, but we do have to start winning again.
"It is not how you start but how you finish which is important, but at the same time, we do not want to start conceding too much ground."
Academy hot-shot Michael Chopra has travelled out to Kiev with the first team squad.
It is the second time Chopra has been added to Robson's travelling pool of players - his first was last season's trip to Derby County.
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