Sean Longstaff believes he has "turned the corner" after a rocky start to the season at Newcastle United.
Just 12 months ago, Longstaff broke on to the scene and won plaudits from the likes of Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Jamie Redknapp.
But injuries and an untimely ban this season have held him back.
Longstaff, speaking to the Sun, said: “Hopefully, I've turned the corner.
“It was at this point last year where I came into the team and did pretty well.
“Last weekend at Rochdale, I said to myself, 'This is where it all started last year - you've got to do the same again in the second half of the season'.
“The people close to me are pretty honest with us, and luckily I've got my brother next to me who is one of the most honest of them all.
“Even he walked in on Saturday and said, 'Woah, you're a bit different today!' ”He started laughing. Honesty's what you need, and that's probably why we are so close.“
Longstaff is now looking forward to an even better year.
The midfielder said: “The only way for me to look at it is to be positive and look forward and look at it as an opportunity to prove myself again."
