Isaac Hayden admits he has shelved talk of signing a new contract to focus on a run of games in Steve Bruce's starting XI.
The former Arsenal man made his return to the first team picture in the 3-2 win at West Ham and impressed in his first game back since being sent off in the 5-0 defeat at Leicester City.
Hayden made a U-turn on his Newcastle career in the summer after deciding not to seek a move having previously stated family reasons had resulted in him wanting to leave.
When asked about his future, Hayden said: "At the minute, I’m just more focused on playing.
"At the end of the day, whenever you get a red card, the only thing on your mind is returning to the team or making a contribution in whatever way you can.
"That’s what I’ve done."
Hayden is currently contracted for another two years and is eyeing a start against AFC Bournemouth this weekend.
With the table tightly congested, he said: "It’s important, but the big different this year is that the Premier League table’s a lot different.
"You’ve got other teams in and around us who have got similar points.
"It’s just important that we keep that going, because, I think, last year we ended up not being too far away.
"This run of games is going to be crucial.
"We’ve managed to get four points so far.
"Let’s hopefully get a few points (against Bournemouth)."
