Callum Wilson says that playing at St James' Park is a dream come true - after initially falling in love with the stadium watching Goal the movie.
The Magpies star goes into the weekend's clash full of confidence with three goals in four games. And after waiting so long to play in front of fans at a locked down St James' during the pandemic, Wilson appreciates his illustrious backdrop.
Speaking on the brilliant Footballer's Football podcast, Wilson said: "I remember watching Green Street back in the day and from then I just knew it would always be a good atmosphere at Upton Park," he said.
"My first time at Upton Park I was buzzing to be there! The West Ham fans were so passionate in the film - it was a hostile atmosphere as well so I have always looked forward to it.
"With Newcastle, I watched the film Goal! and I only saw positive things. It shows you the Newcastle stadium and I remember thinking what a club to play for!"
Wilson's new enhanced contract was also confirmed by the club this week while he vowed to keep pushing for the England squad at the World Cup.
He said: "It’s about focusing on the performances though, because as this proved, if you get that right, then the results do come off the back of that.
"The league position is irrelevant at the moment, it’s still so early. It matters when we turn the year, and then you’re trying to get up the league and get as close to your targets as possible.
"It’s really just a game at a time until the World Cup break, and within that, you’ve got individuals like myself who have their own agendas and targets they want to hit too."
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