Siem de Jong has admitted that he is desperate to make an impact in the Premier League after his first season with Newcastle United was wrecked by injuries and illness.
The Dutchman battled a number of injury problems early in his Newcastle career before a collapsed lung ensured that it was a nightmare debut campaign.
After scoring in just his second start for the club in a 4-1 League Cup triumph over Northampton Town earlier this week, De Jong is hopeful that he can continue to impress in Steve McClaren's side.
"I feel a bit like a new signing myself, not so much with the group but because I have played so few games," he told reporters.
"Last season was the toughest of my career so the other night was only my second 90 minutes for Newcastle.
"That was good but I need games and want to play in as many as I can to get my rhythm back again and Northampton was a good start."
Newcastle are back in action against Arsenal on Saturday.
Callum Mulvihill
