Mbabu Keen To Put Injuries Behind Him

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Kevin Mbabu admitted that this is a "big season" for him after making his first appearance of the campaign in Wednesday night's friendly victory at Heaton Stannington.

The Swiss defender had been sidelined since the summer with a groin problem but played for the opening 45 minutes of the 8-1 victory at Grounsell Park.

Since arriving at St. James' Park from Servette in January 2013, the 19-year-old - who can play at centre-back or right-back - has seen his Newcastle career interrupted by a succession of injuries.

But there's no doubting his ability and Mbabu is determined to use his latest comeback as a platform.

Tom Heardman, Greg Olley, Callum Roberts (2), Liam Gibson, Sean Longstaff, Kyle Cameron and Jonathyn Quinn were on target against the Northern League second division outfit and Mbabu told nufc.co.uk: "I'm really, really happy to be back.

"It's been three or four months without a game but I came back to training two weeks ago and felt good, and I was allowed to play in the first half so I'm really glad.

"I really enjoyed the game because I haven't played for a while so it was good to run again, to have some one-on-ones - I was really happy.

"I've had injuries for the last two years now so I hope it's finished now. I have to find the level that I had at the end of last season and hopefully I'll get it back soon.

"It's time for me to stay fit and I have to stay fit becaue it's a big season for me. I hope I can push for the first-team or maybe go on loan somewhere and get some professional experience. That's what I'm hoping for."

Among the spectators on Wednesday night was Mbabu's close friend Rolando Aarons, who has broken into Alan Pardew's senior set-up this term.

"We all want to follow what he did this season," said Mbabu.

"He had a really good pre-season, he came on against Man City, he came on against Crystal Palace and scored, and I was very happy for him.

"He came to see me tonight, so that was good."