Curo Hoping To Stay In The Team

Last updated : 28 December 2002 By Rob Cooper
Cureton & Butler
Jamie Cureton (left) and his strike partner Martin Butler
The Royals striker profited from Lee Grant's misfortune, capitalising on the shotstopper's flap at a Ricky Newman cross late in the game and tapping into an empty net.

The 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has spent a long time in the reserves but is now hoping to cement a regular place in the side as he looks to get back to his best form that saw him score six times in the first six matches of the season.

Speaking about his goal Curo commented: "That's the sort of thing I've thrive on, you've just got to be in the right place at the right time. I feel I am getting better with each game and I hope I can stay in the team now.

"Everyone knows I need service, and if we've got two wingers who are taking people on and getting balls into the box it helps out, distracts defenders and takes the pressure off me.

"I think we played well, and after the run of defeats we've had it was nice to beat Derby."

Cureton's contract expires at the end of the season and he has repeatedly been linked with a £400,000 move to his former club Norwich to aid the Canaries ailing promotion bid.