Chelsea
striker Loic Remy insists he is more than capable of filling the void left
by the banned Diego Costa.
The 28-year-old Frenchman admitted his substitute role has been difficult
but he is ready to convince Jose Mourinho to hand him more starts.
Costa has been suspended for three matches after being found guilty of
violent conduct by the Football Association following a clash with Arsenal
defender Laurent Koscielny on Saturday.
"I don't have a choice, I have to do it. When we play for Chelsea it's a
question of giving the best 100%, so of course I will do the best I can,"
Remy said.
"I think we will miss him because we know how important he is for the team
but we are all focused on winning games. Whoever is on the pitch we will try
to do the best we can, of course it's a shame for us to lose him.
"Whoever is on the pitch will give their best. It's my old club so it's
always a pleasure to play against them. The manager will decide and pick 11
players, we'll see on Saturday."
Costa was banned for Wednesday's 4-1 Capital One Cup win at Walsall as Remy
scored his first goal of the season and he stated he is ready to perform the
striker's physical role ahead of Saturday's trip to former club Newcastle.
Remy has made just six Premier League starts since joining from QPR last
summer but has netted seven goals and could deputise for Costa at St James'
Park, a match live on Sky Sports 1.
He has played for only eight minutes in league action so far this season,
and admitted he recent role has been tough.
He said: "It's very difficult, I can't lie. When you come in you have to do
the best but when you are not playing much it is more difficult. I cannot
complain, I want to play and when the manager wants me to come I just come
and try to score goals.
"I just play the way I play and don't put pressure on myself because I know
my quality. The manager knows as well that he can use me as a striker or on
the side. I don't have any pressure, I just want to feel better and with the
game which is coming I maybe have an opportunity to play more. We will see."
Remy scored 14 goals in 27 games for the Magpies on loan from QPR in 2013-14
and backed struggling United to recover from a nightmare start to the
season.
He added: "I am surprised because they are a big team and strong. I am sure
they will get better very soon."
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