Newcastle United forward Dwight Gayle has revealed he wishes to follow in the footsteps of England international Jamie Vardy.
Though the 26-year-old had been a fixture in England’s top tier for a lot longer than the Foxes ace, he too was playing non-league football merely half a decade ago.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the former Bishops Stortford forward has been recounting his rise, first to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, and then with the Toon Army in the Championship.
A big money signing for the Eagles back in 2013, he found playing time limited in south London and was brought to Tyneside in order to fill their iconic Number 9 shirt.
So far at St. James’ Park, Gayle has enjoyed a strong start to life, notching 11 goals and winning the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award.
Having watched Vardy meteorically rise from Fleetwood Town to playing for England in the European Championships, as well as winning the league with Leicester, Gayle has revealed he looks up to the 29-year-old.
‘That is an ambition of mine, definitely, I’d love to,’ he says. ‘I look at him (Vardy) and it makes you realise what is achievable”, he said.
‘But for now we want to be back in the Premier League, that is where this club belongs.”
