Newcastle United signing Gael Bigirimana admits a strong faith has helped him to get where he is today.

Bigi arrives on Tyneside full of gratitude for former Coventry Academy coach Greg Rioch and ex-Toon star Andy Thorn - the man who handed him his debut.

The 18-year-old - who openly prays on the field of play - says: "I have always had a strong faith and belief that God will open the way for me if I work hard.

"I promised myself that I would make my debut by the time I was 16 or 17 and I have achieved that, so praise to God.

"There are times in your life when you think things aren't going to happen and that makes you stronger and motivates you to keep going.

"Last year it was kind of long, direct football and sometimes it looked like, not that I wouldn't make it, but God has always promised me that he would open windows for me so there needed to be a change in the style of play to suit me."