Isaac Hayden 'always wants' to test himself against new signings and players in his position at Newcastle United - but the midfielder insists he knows what he can 'give to the team'.
The Magpies are well-stocked in central midfield with Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Jeff Hendrick, the Longstaff brothers and Dan Barlaser all currently battling it out.
Hayden's energy and ability to break up attacks are extremely valued by Steve Bruce, who previously worked with the 25-year-old at Hull, and, tellingly, despite missing games through injury and suspension, no other midfielder made more appearances for the Magpies last season.
It would be a surprise if Hayden lost his place but Hendrick's arrival, Matty Longstaff's new deal and the return of Barlaser to the fold have certainly been welcomed by the midfielder as he prepares for his fifth season at St James' Park.
"You're going to have players signing new contracts and players coming in," he told NUFC TV ahead of Newcastle's penultimate pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough.
"That's what you want as a professional. You always want to be testing yourself against players that are getting signed or players in your position, but I'm a confident player.
"I know what I can give to the team and the club and, as I said, I'll just continue to do that when I get the opportunity to do that."
Hayden and Shelvey played 74 minutes of Newcastle's 2-1 win against Barnsley at the club's training ground on Saturday and, fitness permitting, the pair look set to start the Magpies' opening Premier League game of the season at West Ham later this month.
