Oguchi Onyewu

NEWCASTLE United's latest loan acquisition, Oguchi Onyewu, had heard all about the club's much-maligned defence prior to his arrival on Tyneside.

But he believes his presence will herald a change in the current country-wide perception of the Magpies' hapless back line.

United's defence took a real pounding in their last outing against Aston Villa at St James' Park and it would be fair to say the 3-1 victory largely flattered an unimpressive home side.

But Wednesday's Premier League contest against Martin O'Neill's side wasn't just a one-off. The club's back four, which has conceded 17 goals in its last seven outings, has been ill at ease for most of this term.

Manager Glenn Roeder has tried to address the problem but has been thwarted in his attempts to bring any quality defenders to the club for one reason or another.

Roeder is hoping his only success in the January transfer window can change this and immediately address the uncertainty surrounding his back four.

Onyewu is up for the challenge and is confident he can answer his new manager's request - and win a longer contract at the club in the process.

"My main objective is to impress the coach and have some longevity at the club," revealed the 24-year-old centre half.

"Obviously I want to make an impact on what everybody is calling a weakened defence in the last couple of years.

"Everybody has been telling me for the last couple of weeks the defence is weak and putting pressure on me to perform, which is not a problem. It means if we achieve something it will be that much more special.

"From watching the game the other night I don't think we have too many problems. There are just little things which could be fixed but that all comes with hard work and teamwork.

"Throughout my career I have been able to cope with pressure in terms of competing and holding my position in a number of different teams, as well as the national team. I was the youngest defender in our team during the World Cup.

"Hopefully I will be able to cope with the pressure here as well as I have done in the past."

The on-loan Standard Liege man revealed he will fulfill a lifetime's ambition if he makes his debut at Craven Cottage today.

"When I first signed as a professional I always had my eye on the Premiership because of my characteristics and my abilities," confessed the 6ft 5in American.

"Right now I'm happy to realise that I have landed here and it has finally come true. Now its up to me."