Ryan Fraser sends message to Newcastle United and Steve Clarke after Scotland 'gamble' warning

Fraser’s debut season at St James’s Park was blighted by injuries, restricting him to just nine Premier League starts after signing on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Indeed, the 27-year-old sat out of the Magpies’ remaining nine fixtures last season to recover from groin surgery.

Steve Clarke ignored Steve Bruce’s “gamble” warning by including Fraser in his Euro squad, where he featured for the first time since March as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Wednesday.

And with the Euros just over a week away from getting underway, Fraser has dismissed concerns over his fitness, insisting he is raring to go.

He said: “I’ve been training for the last three or four weeks now. It’s not like I’ve not been doing anything.

"People thought I was coming here with no fitness but I’ve been working hard and been keeping in touch with the gaffer so he’s known the ins and out of the last six weeks.

"I’m fully fit and I’ll use the next two games to hopefully get minutes in and be ready.”

Meanwhile, former Aston Villa and Rangers manager Alex McLeish believes Newcastle fans “would love” to see Danny Rose return to Tyneside this summer.

The former England left-back is searching for a new club following his release from Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent 14 years as a player.

He was frozen out by Jose Mourinho, so Rose last competitive appearance came during his loan spell with the Magpies last year.

And despite failing to make any noticeable impression with the Newcastle fans during his 13 outings,, McLeish insists Rose would be an “incredible” signing for Bruce.

He told Football Insider: “Rose is a great player. In fact, Newcastle fans actually would love Danny Rose to go back.

“With Danny, it’s like does he love football?

“He spoke about: ‘I’ll just walk away and retire then,’ last year when he was maybe in the huff a wee bit.

“But what a good player Newcastle would get on a free transfer. Incredible.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor