Shane Ferguson wishes to make it into Newcastle's first team permanently after being plagued with injuries.

A series of problems ruled the Newcastle winger out for the whole of pre-season, but he since has returned with four appearances in the top-flight.

Ferguson has admitted that while becoming injured before the season started was not ideal, but believes he can now help the team, who are currently tenth in the Premier League table.

He said to the Shields Gazette: ""I was injured at the start of pre-season, and it's hard to get back. Pre-season's a bad time to get injured - you have to catch up with everyone. Thankfully, I'm getting fitter and stronger. I'm in the gym every day doing stuff with the fitness coaches. I just have to keep working hard now. That's what the manager wants me to do - stay fit and keep working hard in the gym. I'm doing all the extra stuff, and I've just got to make an impact whenever I get the chance."

He appreciates the faith the manager has in him, and is pleased Alan Pardew also shows faith he has in his younger players.

He said: "The manager's got a lot of faith in me, and I appreciate that loads. It's great he plays a lot of youngsters - he's got a lot of faith in the young lads. All the lads can show what they can do (in the Europa League), and it's great to see."

Across all competitions, Shane Ferguson has been responsible for an assist three times so far this season.

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