Newcastle United defender Jamie Sterry has reflected on a “frustrating” period of his career after seeing a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra cut short.
The 23-year-old full-back made just one 90-minute appearance for the SkyBet League Two club after moving to Gresty Road on a loan that was intended to run until the end of the season, but was cut short as United grew frustrated at his lack of game-time.
Sterry has made three appearances for Ben Dawson’s side since returning to Tyneside and played a key role in a 2-0 win against Premier League 2 Division Two leaders Wolves on Saturday.
Speaking candidly after the game, he admitted that he is happy to put injuries behind him and to be back within the United fold.
He said: “It’s been one of the worst things ever really. Obviously, injuries have been tough.
“When you are fit, and you have worked so hard to get fit, then you’re not playing games, it’s very frustrating.
“But I am so happy to be back.
“Ben (Dawson) has taken me in really well again and I think I can help the lads as well with the bit of experience I have had with the first-team and being out on loan is a lot different.
“So, if I can keep doing well here, I can keep progressing.
"I have missed so much football. A lot of the younger lads have played more games than me.
“But I believe I am good enough and people can see that I am good enough to play.
“It’s just about getting that opportunity.
“I was so frustrated when I have worked so hard every single day and trained well.
Newcastle under-23s 2-0 Wolves under-23s: Magpies down league leaders with classy display
“It’s been a tough time, but now that I am here, (we are) playing pretty well as a team, hopefully we can get promoted and have a good run in the cup.”
An early goal from South African striker Reintroducing Newcastle United's 6ft South African teenage striker who is back from injury and an own-goal from Wolves defender Cam John gave the Magpies second-string an impressive win against their in-form visitors on Saturday.
Both goals came within the first eight minutes of the game and the United youngsters put in a controlled display to see off a dangerous Wolves side.
The win moved Ben Dawson’s side to within three points of the top of the table as they look to secure promotion into Premier League 2’s top-flight.
Sterry was pleased with his side’s performance and expressed his hope that they can carry on their push towards promotion.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game playing against the top of the league," he added.
“But the lads played really well, especially in the first half we came out fast.
“I said to the lads before the game that we needed to have good energy because they a going to be on it to stay top of the league and win it.
“As long as we keep winning, we will get better and get higher up the table.”
Next up for United’s youngsters is a trip to mid-table Stoke City on Monday, April 8, although confirmation of a date for the Premier League Cup quarter-final home tie against Derby County is expected in due course.
Newcastle under-23s 2-0 Wolves under-23s: Magpies down league leaders with classy display
Reintroducing Newcastle United's 6ft South African teenage striker who is back from injury
