INTERVIEW: I like being here

"I've been focusing on getting fit at Newcastle but I'm happy to be back. I spoke to the manager [Keith Curle] and he persuaded me to come back, and hopefully I can play a lot of games. 

"I haven't had chance to sit down with the manager since I came back over [he rejoined the squad on Monday morning] but he's happy that I'm here."

"When I spoke to Newcastle about the move they told me they want me to develop the physical side of my game," he told us. "I definitely see myself as a centre half, I feel comfortable there, but I'll do any job the manager asks me to do.  

"I definitely gained a lot of confidence and experience during my time here last season. I matured as a player and I think that came from playing against more physical players. The style of football was a massive factor in my decision. The gaffer wants to play proper football and I know that will help me develop."

"It's good to know I get on with it for the next few months as well," he commented. "I'm here to play games where results really matter because U21 football is more about retaining possession.

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose because it's about progressing as a player. League Two is all about winning and it's a lot more physical compared to U21s. Everything matters in League Two and that's the type of football I like to be involved with."

Speaking about the players who helped him to learn more about the game last season, he said: "I played left back quite a lot last year so Danny Grainger helped me a lot. When I played centre back Michael Raynes helped me because he talks a lot and he kept me right. 

"With the manager being a defender himself he was always giving me advice, which is good, because you can learn from all of it. Hopefully I can keep that going and do even better for the club this time.

"I had a bit of a dodgy start to my time here but towards the end of the season I think I did improve. You definitely learn as much from the bad games as you do from the good ones and you learn from your mistakes, which is what it's all about."

"I'm looking forward to the first game of the season against Portsmouth because it will be a good test," he said. "We've got a lot of good new players now and they're all a good bunch of lads. I haven't seen them in matches yet but I'm looking forward to it. 

"Knowing so many people here already meant I felt more comfortable coming in this time round. The new players have all been great with me so everyone is easy to get along with. I wouldn't have gone to another League Two team because I know the lads and know it's a good place to be. 

"Mark Gillespie has been desperate for me to come back because he's been driving over on his own, so I can help him out with that now as well!

"I just want to play plenty of games now and try to get as much experience as I can to help me push on. Any lad born in Newcastle wants to play for Newcastle United so my ambition is to play their for the first time. 

"I know I've got to come out on loan and prove myself to achieve that and I'm looking forward to doing that here."