Rolando Aarons has thanked Steve Bruce for giving him a second chance at Newcastle United.
The winger was fielded as a striker in the 2-1 defeat against Preston North End and put in a hard working shift in the first 45 minutes against the Lilywhites.
Bruce is an admirer of Aarons after taking him on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season and is now keen to take a closer look at the England youth international.
After being used in a more central role, Aarons told ChronicleLive: "It was a slightly different position for me.
"I just enjoying being on the pitch. That was a new one and I am learning how to play there and looking to get better.
"Results in pre-season aren't do or die. They help you get fit and extra minutes on the field will take us on. We are just looking forward to the next game.
"It was tough for us at Preston as they are starting their season for real next week.
"Fitness wise they probably had a slight edge. It was tough but a good work out."
Aarons was frozen out under Rafa Benitez and started last season without a squad number after missing out on Newcastle's Premier League squad.
This season could be different and after Bruce has cranked up the fitness work at United - with players put through gruelling double shifts - Aarons is enjoying his work.
The 23-year-old said: "It's been good. We have been working hard behind the scenes. Training is harder than it was in previous years due to a different manager.
"But the boys are loving it. We're getting used to it and it's good.
"It's strange as he's only been here a week. But the boys are listening and looking to adapt to how he wants to play.
"We don't have much time so we need to focus for the season starting now.
"We are just trying to cram as much in as possible."
And when asked about the "clean slate" Bruce handed his squad after many players were recalled back to the senior end of the club's training base, Aarons said: "We're grateful for it, me especially.
"I did not play much under the previous manager. I'm hopefully now looking to get another opportunity.
"Hibs is next and the games come thick and fast but that's what we are paid to do and we love it.
"I love playing games and can't wait."
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Achraf Lazaar (muscle strain) and Dwight Gayle (calf) weren't risked at Preston but will be assessed this week ahead of the trip to Edinburgh to take on Hibernian.
