Somersault striker at South Shields!

The Congolose hot-shot is pictured training with the 2017 FA Vase winners on Monday night in bid to regain his fitness after returning from playing in Turkey last year.

Now 36, LuaLua kicked off his professional career with Colchester United before joining Newcastle United in 2000 in a £2.25m move. Loved by the Toon Army for his somersaulting goal celebrations during a four year spell, he went on to make over 70 appearances for Pompey before leaving for Greek club Olympiakos in 2007 and Turkey two years later.

A Mariners spokesperson said: "We had a special guest at training tonight: former Newcastle United striker Lomana LuaLua! It was a pleasure to welcome him along as he trains to regain his fitness after completing a spell in Turkey."

After seeing their side come back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at EVO-STIK League Premier champions Blyth Spartans on Saturday, joint managers Graham Fenton and Lee Picton are preparing the Northern League winners to face Sunderland U23s on Wednesday night before completing their pre-season programme at Whitby Town on Saturday.

The club's preparations off the pitch couldn't be going better either after volunteers and officials hosted a successful 'Champions Funday' at Mariners Park on Sunday when last season's trophies were paraded by the squad for hundreds of supporters enjoying a family fun day. The celebrations continued on Monday when Clean It UK confirmed they'd be sponsoring the first team's training kits again for the 2017-18 campaign.

The Mariners kick off a new era for the club in EVO-STIK League North at Trafford on the opening day of the season, Saturday 12 August.

Images courtesy of Peter Talbot/South Shields FC & Twitter

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