AN EXPECTANT Graeme Souness has promised Albert Luque a free-roaming attacking role in the Newcastle line-up.

And, with the Magpies' manager expected to name him on the bench for tomorrow's game at Everton, the Spaniard has promised to live up to his £9.5m price tag.

Luque's arrival was quickly overshadowed by the purchase of Michael Owen but, in Souness' eyes, the 27-year-old is every bit as exciting as England's number one marksman.

He has been unable to prove it so far, with a hamstring injury condemning him to ten frustrating weeks on the sidelines after just 125 minutes of his Newcastle career.

In his absence, the Magpies have lacked midfield creativity and struggled to find a cutting edge but, with Luque certain to play at least some part tomorrow, Souness is confident the chances will come.

The Spaniard has made his name as both a striker and left winger and, with the likes of Scott Parker and Emre providing a solid midfield base, the Newcastle boss is happy to give him the freedom of the park.

"He will have freedom to roam and cause problems for the opposition," said Souness, who is hoping to name both Owen and Alan Shearer in his side for tomorrow's game, despite the former missing training yesterday.

"I see Albert as the type of player our crowd will like. He is skilful, good at set-pieces and has a rocket in his boots. I am sure he will excite the fans.

"He will be somewhere in our attacking formation and that's good enough for me.

"I am not trying to be smart, but good players work things out for themselves.

"They know where they want to go. Luque might start on the left and move to the middle, or start in the middle and drift out to the right. It all depends on what is happening in the game.

"Given time, he will make an enormous impact at Newcastle. He will make that impact this season, but he needs a few games to get going. He is extremely highly thought of in Spanish football and I am sure he will every bit as popular here."

Luque's exalted reputation in Spain was cemented when he made an £8.5m move from Real Mallorca to Deportivo La Coruna in August 2002.

That transfer made him one of the most expensive midfielders in La Liga but, rather than buckling under the pressure he was being placed under, Luque went on to become the darling of the Riazor.

His 101 league games brought 26 goals, earned him 15 international caps and eventually caught the eye of Souness.

The Scot spent most of the summer securing his signature and, while the size of his price tag brings inevitable demands, the Barcelona-born star is confident of living up to his reputation.

"I appreciate that the club have invested heavily in my services, but that sort of pressure gives me extra motivation," said Luque.

"I realise the price Newcastle paid for me is quite a big one in terms of world football, but I faced a similar scenario a few years ago when I moved from Mallorca to Deportivo.

"Now I just want to get myself fit and playing again.

"If I can do that, I am sure things will be fine."

Monday's training session was only the third time Luque had met his team-mates, but the midfielder needed no introduction to one of Newcastle's leading lights.

Owen's fifth Real Madrid appearance came against Deportivo in October, and Luque grabbed the winner as Real were rocked at the Bernabeu.

"Everyone knew all about Michael Owen when he moved to Madrid because he had already won the Ballon D'Or (Golden Boot)," said the Spaniard.

"He didn't have many opportunities at Real because they have the best players in the world, but he still did well.

"It was a surprise when he came to Newcastle but, for the team, it's great because his arrival strengthened the squad and it's a pleasure to play with him.

"I have a confession to make though.

"I have been taking English classes in my hotel on a daily basis and I already believe that I can speak better English than Michael can speak Spanish."

His English might have benefited from his injury, but Luque has endured immense frustration since moving to England in August.

Unsurprisingly, he has struggled to adapt to his new surrounds but, now he is back to full fitness, he is ready to get his life back on track.

"I've had a few difficult weeks due to the injury," he added.

"But now that I'm ready to play again, I am raring to go and eager to show what I am made of. I want to show the fans what I can do on the pitch.

"I turned up wanting to do well and, with it being a new country, I wanted to do well as quickly as I could.

"That made it especially disappointing to get such a bad injury and it spoiled the beginning of my new experience.

"Now I look forward to resuming my life.

"I will only be happy if I am doing well playing football."

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