'It's up to him now', The truth about Rodrigo Vilca's chances of success at Newcastle United

Nobby Solano has challenged Rodrigo Vilca to stake his claim for club and country - by making a success of his loan spell at Universitario. Vilca waved farewell to his team-mates at Newcastle until 2023 when the club agreed a loan deal with the Liga 1 side in his native Peru.

The spotlight in his homeland is now firmly back on the 23-year-old with the attacking midfielder making two appearances for the South American club so far without getting on the scoresheet or creating an assist. Vilca is back on Solano's radar with the Peru coach set to keep tabs on Vilca.

Solano has offered Vilca some advice and has an open dialogue with the Lima-born player. But he knows after two seasons on Tyneside and a luke warm loan at Doncaster he must start hitting the heights soon.

When asked what Vilca needs to do to become a success at St James' Park, Solano told Chronicle Live: "Rodrigo has to do a lot, he has to do a lot. "It won't be easy for most players at Newcastle now.

"Getting into the squad won't be easy. Rodrigo is still a Newcastle player and he has to remember that. Doing well back in Peru can help him a lot. But it's up to him now.

"He has to get into form, help win games with Universitario and then see where he is next year. Look at Man City, they loan players out around the world and some find it hard to get back into the squad so it's a big challenge."

Success with one of Peru's most famous clubs in the shape of Universitario could even earn him a place in the World Cup squad should his country qualify for the finals in Qatar. Solano says that such a possibility should be a major incentive for him.

Solano said: "Rodrigo Vilca has joined Universitario and he must first get into the team and show what he's got.