Sunday 8 February 2015 16:36, UK
John Carver is happy to be the new man in temporary charge at Newcastle and happy to be given the chance to stake his claim for the job permanently.
The former United left-back has been handed the reins until the end of the season following the departure of Alan Pardew to Crystal Palace.
And last Saturday's comprehensive 3-0 victory at Hull was the first since he took over the St James' Park hot seat last month.
Carver, who has worked under a whole host of top name managers at the club, told Soccer Saturday: "Initally, it was strange (being handed the job) - it was really strange.
"Obviously the excitement was quite incredible coming in everyday. But once I parked in the managers spot then I started relaxing a little bit and starting concentrating on the job in hand."
Carver admits he can understand critics saying the club have opted for the cheap option by handing him the managerial role until the end of the season.
But 50-year-old Geordie-born Carver has hit back by saying: "Let me roll out a few names. We had Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Kevin Keegan, (Sir) Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness, Sam Allardyce, so why not pick John Carver."
Carver is also adamant that the five loan players the Magpies have sent up to Ibrox on loan is only good for the future of the north-east giants.
Once I parked in the managers spot then I started relaxing a little bit and starting concentrating on the job in hand.
Shane Ferguson, Remie Streete, Kevin Mbabu, Gael Bigirimana and Haris Vuckic were shipped out en-masse to Ibrox last week.
"I think it's a fantastic decision for the development of our young players," added Carver. "Sometimes, the players who have gone up there can be in our U21 team too long, or reserve team too long and you can outgrow that. The players we sent up there are players who are ready for it.
"I haven't been involved in any player bids (on transfer deadline day). People will be surprised, but I've just been totally focused on this.
"I won't give specific names - that's up to the people in those roles and responsibilities - and to trust to them to come up with the ideal player to fit into what you want and I'm happy to work under those conditions."
