Sean Longstaff believes he is playing some his best football since breaking into the Newcastle United team in 2018.
The Geordie midfielder won his place back in the starting line-up after the international break and his return to the team has coincided with a four-game unbeaten run for Steve Bruce's men.
Longstaff, who was sidelined for two months in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss to a rock bottom Sheffield United, is enjoying his stint back in the side.
Longstaff said: "To not play games for nearly three months was really frustrating.
"It would be easy to go the other way and toss it off a bit.
"That's not the person I am, or the person my mam and dad raised.
"When the going gets tough it's about finding out who you are really.
"I've got a good group around me.
"There were a lot of times in those three months I thought I'd trained really well, I went home and looked myself in the mirror.
"I was happy with what I was doing."
And reflecting on his own form, Longstaff, speaking to NUFC TV, added: "I think I am playing some of my best football in a Newcastle shirt.
"As long as I feel I am doing well, the coaches and the players, and your family that is who you want to impress.
"I am doing the simple things which I was probably doing at the start.
"It helps when the team picks up the points.
"I have really enjoyed the last four games and hopefully I can keep the shirt."
United's point at Liverpool sets them up nicely for the Arsenal clash this weekend.
Longstaff said: "We created quite a few good chances, so if we'd came away without anything we'd be disappointed.
"They had chances as well but we played pretty well.
"And had the clear-cut chances.
"We have a spring in our step and have taken a step towards safety."
Longstaff could have grabbed a goal at Anfield but was denied by Alisson.
He added: "It was against one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
"Being critical of myself I probably should have done a little bit better.
"I got a little bit tangled up with my feet, it's not about me, Joe Willock is one fire and scoring the goals.
"We're going to miss him this weekend but hopefully can step up.
"If I am playing I will hopefully look to put one in the net."
