Ki Sung-yueng reacts to his unexpected Newcastle debut

Ki, released by Swansea City at the end of last season, joined the club on a free transfer last month.

And the 29-year-old – who captained South Korea at this summer's World Cup in Russia – came off the bench in last night's 2-2 draw against Hull City at the KCOM Stadium.

Ki told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I didn’t expect to play, but it was great to get 20 minutes, because I need to build my condition after my holidays.

"I don’t want to hurry with my condition because, if you aren’t ready, it doesn’t help the team. You have to be ready, but I’m all right now.”

Ki was signed as a replacement for Mikel Merino, who joined Real Sociedad earlier this month.

On his move to Newcastle, Ki said: "I heard from my agent before the World Cup there was interest from Newcastle. But I had to put it on hold, because I had to concentrate on the World Cup.

“As soon as I finished the World Cup, they came and offered me a good contract. There was no hesitation, because I know this is a great club.

"Every time I’ve played at St James’s Park, the atmosphere’s amazing. This club is a big one for me to play in the Premier League.”