Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has stated that he wants to personally improve upon his early season performances against Everton on Monday night.

The box-to-box man has revealed that competing for France in Euro 2012 has taken its toll, and that he has not been at his best so far this campaign.

"I'm very happy here and I've never thought any different," Cabaye is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"But I've felt really tired. It was hard straight after the Euros. It's the first time I've come back after a big international competition in my career. And it had been a hard first season in England, with all the games and no winter break.

"I'm working very hard to get fit. I want to play every game at full speed for 90 minutes and I'll get there. I don't want to make excuses, it has been difficult for me but I'll work more, rest better and I'll be fine," he stated.

There have been rumblings that speculation over Cabaye and other Newcastle stars' futures has led to a slow start to the season, but the Les Bleus lynchpin has revealed that the squad are just as motivated as ever to succeed.

"The spirit is just as strong as it was last season. But we will have to be stronger mentally than before. We surprised people when we finished fifth.

"This year is different, every team knows what we can do and we are a target. We're going to have to be better this season to keep going. The right mentality is very important for us and I think we have that in the dressing room.

"Personally, I'm late getting back to full fitness and sharpness but I won't let my confidence suffer. I haven't played as well as last season but my best form will come," he concluded.

Alan Pardew's men take on Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.

By Gareth McKnight