Newcastle’s Hayden pushing for Premier League debut

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden insists he cannot wait to get started on the 2017-18 Premier League campaign as he prepares to make his first appearance in the English top flight.

Having helped the Magpies to Premier League promotion last season, the 22-year-old insists that his side can make a positive impact once they get their campaign underway against Spurs on August 12.

Hayden did not travel with the England under-21 squad to Poland for the European Championship after taking a blow to the head on the final day of last season.

And having overcome several niggling injuries, the youngster is leaving no stone unturned in his bid for a first-team place in the Magpies’ starting 11.

“I was looking at the fixtures the day they came out, and Spurs at home is a massive fixture to start with,” Hayden said.

“I’m sure everybody wants to get back in and will be looking forward to that one.

“But it’s the whole Premier League experience – it’s not just the one game, you’ve got 38 games against a lot of good teams, so it’s exciting times.

“It’s about everyone pulling in the right direction – the players that are already here, the players that will come – and everyone working together to make sure that the club goes in the right direction.

“I feel really good, I’ve been doing my exercises, my gym work and my running, so I feel ready and raring to go.”