Jesus Gamez reflects on a tough start to his Newcastle career

Gamez joined the club from Atletico Madrid last summer.

But the 31-year-old has been restricted to a handful of appearances by injuries, including a broken collarbone, and the form of Rafa Benitez's full-backs.

"After two very long injuries, I'm really looking forward to finding myself again, to finding my feelings again, and helping out the team again after those two long injuries that affected me," said Gamez, who started Tuesday night's goalless draw at Reading.

"And especially with regards to the fans, because I wish I could have offered more from the beginning. I wish I could have been more involved from the beginning, but these are things that happen in football, and I will have to try and get more involved as soon as possible now.

"I am professional, and what I really enjoy is being on the pitch, showing the reasons why the club puts so much confidence, so much trust, in me. That's where I belong.

"As soon as I have the chance, I'm going to try and take that chance to make it into the team, to help the team, because that's what matters most at the end of the day."

Gamez, while frustrated at a lack of games, is enjoying his new life on Tyneside.

"Myself, my wife, my son and my daughter are all really enjoying life in Newcastle, so I'm really pleased with that," he said.

"Of course, I have had some very good moments in Spain, both at Malaga and at Atletico Madrid. But when This opportunity came up, I didn't even hesitate. It was an amazing experience, it was an amazing opportunity, not only for me but my family too.

"I want to experience something new."