Jonas Gutierrez wants Newcastle United extension

Resurgent Newcastle United winger Jonas Gutierrez is hopeful that he can earn a new contract after making his long-awaited comeback this week.

The Argentine made a brief cameo in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United for what was his first appearance since winning his battle against testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old is out of contract with the Magpies in the summer, and Gutierrez hopes to use the next three months as a platform to earn an extension.

"I'm just living day by day. All I can do is work hard in training and work as hard as I can," he told reporters.

"I'm going to fight for my place - I always try to do that. I'm recovering.

"I'm healthy and I'm feeling strong - now I have to wait for my opportunity and fight for that. Now I have three months to do my best and we'll see what happens."

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi took to Twitter recently to congratulate his compatriot over returning after a 17-month absence.