Titi Positive

While Joe Cole has deliberately put on weight during the summer, Titi Camara was losing the pounds throughout the close season - and is starting to reap the benefits.

After notching a couple of goals in pre-season friendly games, he got his first senior run out of the campaign against Charlton on Saturday when he came on as a second half substitute, and on Monday night grabbed the goal that gave the reserve team their first victory of the season against Wimbledon.

"I was happy to play my first game of the season on Saturday," says the Guinean striker. "Before I came back to training in the summer I had been working hard, made sacrifices, and lost four kilos.

"Now I am ready, but on Saturday there was no chance to score. We had played very well against Arsenal the week before but against Charlton we were no good."

Titi understands the supporters' disappointed reaction at the end of the game and adds: "The fans weren't happy about losing at home, and I understand that, but we have to stay positive for the next game.

"I am happy if the team wins, and that is what important."

After a campaign last season that was more stop than start, the trimmed down Titi is hoping for more action this time around, and he adds: "Last season I had no chances to play for the first team but it is new season. I am working every day, and if the gaffer gives me an opportunity I will take it - to prove myself to him, and the fans.

"If I keep working hard every day, maybe I will get that chance to start.

"I worked really hard in the summer, and it is important for me not to get injuries this time."

He already has one eye on the clash with table topping Tottenham later in the month and adds: "It is very hard to be bottom and we have to beat Tottenham when we play them soon, but it will be a hard game.

"We lost at Newcastle and just have the one point from home, but I think things will get better for us."