NEWCASTLE UNITED youngster Ayoze Perez might be waiting for his big chance at St James’ Park, but he is in line for an award after his stunning form in Spain last season.

Perez has been shortlisted for two gongs at the Spanish football awards for the best breakthrough player as well as the second division’s best attacking midfielder.

It means he will be at the awards night looking to share a stage in Madrid next week with other nominees such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois.

Perez hit 16 goals for Tenerife last season before completing a £1.6m move to Newcastle, where he has only been used sparingly so far after the team’s frustrating start to the season.

He has made nine appearances so far for the Magpies, all from the bench, and he is yet to hit his first goal in a black and white shirt.

Papiss Cisse’s return to form in front of goal has lessened the need for Perez to quickly adapt to life in England, with manager Alan Pardew keen to treat the young talent carefully.

There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Newcastle players to find that winning formula after a disappointing start to the campaign – and it is hoped Sunday’s trip to Tottenham will end in a second league win.

The club’s owner Mike Ashley has signalled his intention to stand by Pardew despite strong calls for the manager to be sacked from the fans this season.

Supporters were also not happy with the way Pardew was quick to allow Hatem Ben Arfa, arguably the most talented player in the squad, to join Hull City in August when his squad was short of attacking options.

The two had a series of run-ins during the final 12 months of the player’s time on Tyneside and led to further suggestions that Ben Arfa is a difficult man to handle after previous disputes at former clubs Marseille and Lyon.

And Ben Arfa, 27, said: “In the past I only thought about myself. I thought I was alone in the world. I am very fragile, too fragile.

“Being a free agent next summer? It is huge pressure. I have used up all my credits. It is like playing Mario – I have one life remaining. I have to take care, but I will take on the challenge. Playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe? I will achieve it.”