Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu admits he is looking sharp for the new season after successfully recovering from knee surgery.

Atsu's season ended in early April last term just days after the Magpies had secured Premier League safety with a crucial and impressive 2-1 win at Leicester City.

That decision has paid dividends as he scored a game-sealing penalty against St Partick’s last week during Newcastle's tour of Ireland.

Atsu started pre-season training two weeks before his team-mates and already seems up to speed.

He told the Chronicle: ''It felt great to be playing a game again and also getting on the scoresheet - and I'm very happy.

"It's very important for the whole season so I am pleased to be back and mark it with a goal.

"That's why I am very happy to get surgery out of the way.

"It means I am back and able to stake my claim for a first-team place.

"I feel I can compete with anybody that’s in the side."