Former Town striker Daryl Murphy admits his time at Newcastle United has been frustrating up to now with a calf injury having limited his involvement to one first-team game in the EFL Cup.
However, the Irish international, who joined the Championship leaders from the Blues for £3 million a few days before the August transfer window closed, was back in scoring action for the Magpies’ U23s as they drew 1-1 with West Brom on Monday.
"It’s been very frustrating because when I signed here I was fully fit and ready,” Murphy told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"I played one game and then picked up an injury literally the next day. It has been very frustrating for me sitting in the stands and watching the lads do well.
"You want to be involved and help the team. But I’m on the comeback now so hopefully I can stay injury free.”
The 33-year-old says the 45 minutes he played for the U23s in front of manager Rafa Benitez will have benefited him: "I have been ready for the last week. I have trained with the lads.
"I just needed a few minutes under my belt to get rid of a few of the cobwebs. I have not played for a while but feel in good shape.
"I think the main thing was to get some game-time. I needed that, I haven’t played for quite a while but the goal was a little bonus.”
Murphy says he knows getting into the starting line-up will be tough with Newcastle top of the table having won nine in a row.
"It’s been brilliant and since I have come here there has been competition for places," he added.
"To see the lads doing so well is great. We’ve got so many players here the gaffer could choose from so many and it’s a good headache to have.”
Peter Beardsley, who coaches Newcastle’s U23s, was impressed with the ex-Town striker’s display.
”I think we played really well in the first half,” he told the Magpies official site. "Daryl Murphy scored a brilliant goal, and for him to get across the near post like that was good for our kids to see and a good experience for him.
"You can't teach what he does. It was great to have him playing for us, but the plan was for him to play 45 minutes, which was perfect for him.
"It's always nice to have them, and it was good for them to be there. It was a big plus for us."