To see Zura meet his Jets team-mates...


The Ecuadorian striker completed his first training session at Newcastle University today and appeared happy in his new surroundings.

His powerful shooting gave goalkeepers Ante Covic and Ben Kennedy a few testing moments during the workout.

Mastering English is perhaps as big a challenge as adapting to the A-League but Zura fully intends to let his football do the talking this season.

Speaking through an interpreter, the 24-year-old said he was impressed by the level of skill he had seen in his short time at the club.

He said: “They have very good players in this team. I just want to adapt to the group.”

Zura, who scored 23 goals in 52 games for former club Sporting Club Imbabura, is confident he has the quality blend in his locker to improve the quality further.

Asked to pinpoint his biggest attacking weapons, he said: “I just have a balance with skill, power and fast (speed).”

Zura says the marquee tag is not a problem because everywhere he has played, there has been an expectation to be successful.

“I work very well with pressure,” he said.

The players were put through a long afternoon session by Gary van Egmond but Zura looked in good shape and said he had been working hard before joining the Jets.

Zura is now on a mission to adapt, both on and off the pitch, as he seeks to embrace a new country and a new style of football.

“There is plenty of difference to South American football but I really think I just have to start learning so I can be part of the team,” he said.

Zura will also throw himself into English lessons so he can communicate with teammates who he says have made him feel very welcome.

He added: “They treat me very well. It was a great reception, like a family reception for me.”

The forward declined to be drawn into predictions and what sort of problems defenders could expect this season. Zura wants to be judged on actions, not whether he talks a good game.

He said: “If I can achieve anything, I want to do it on the field. It’s actions (not words). I just want to play, I will try my best and I am very happy and excited about all this.”

To see Zura meet his Jets team-mates...