Gutierrez adamant his Newcastle recall should not be a sympathy vote

Gutierrez was included in Newcastle’s match-day squad for the first time this season on Saturday, and while he did not make it onto the field during the 1-0 win over Aston Villa, he readily admits it was a hugely emotional experience in the wake of his successful battle against testicular cancer.

The winger only returned to England having received the all-clear from his consultant in December, so Saturday’s reappearance at St James’ Park was a significant milestone on his road to complete recovery.

John Carver claims he made the decision to recall Gutierrez after being impressed with his performances on the training ground last week, and while the 31-year-old winger would understandably relish the opportunity to add to his 195 senior Newcastle appearances before his contract expires in the summer, he is adamant he does not want to be the recipient of a sympathy vote.

“If they (Carver and his backroom staff) don’t really think I can do it, then I’ll stay at home,” said Gutierrez, who was frozen out of the first-team picture under Alan Pardew prior to the full extent of his illness becoming clear. “I’m ready, and I’m going to try to do my best when I get my opportunity. I’m going to fight for that.

“I’m going to do my best to try to push and get my place back. And when I start, I won’t want to lose my place. All I can do is work hard, and in football, you never know. Things can change quickly, and I want to be ready.”

Saturday’s game marked Gutierrez’s first visit to St James’ Park since he left England to begin his cancer treatment, and he admits it was an emotional experience to return to a ground that holds so many special memories.

His name was loudly applauded when it was announced prior to kick-off, and he received a raucous reception whenever he left the bench to warm up on the touchline.

He was touched by the supporters’ response to his return, but expected nothing less having been the recipient of so many supportive messages and comments since he first revealed the full extent of his illness last year.

“The fans have always been so good to me,” he said. “The Newcastle fans in particular, but also supporters of lots of different clubs. That has meant a lot.

“I really appreciated the response they gave me. They gave me a lot of power, and I’m so happy to have been back with them again. I really enjoyed the moment, and I think they enjoyed that I was here again. Now, I will go for more.”

Carver was happy to have Gutierrez back in the fold, and was considering bringing him on before a second-half injury to Massadio Haidara forced his hand.

“Unfortunately, because of what happened to Sadio (Haidara), I had to put Ryan (Taylor) on at left-back,” said the interim head coach. “I had to make a decision – he (Gutierrez) is getting closer, he is getting fitter, he is getting stronger, so the time will eventually come, especially if we keep losing bodies.”

At the time, it looked as though Haidara had suffered a serious knee injury as he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after a lengthy period of treatment.

With Newcastle already short of numbers at the back, a prolonged absence would present a major headache, but Carver is confident things are not as bad as first feared and is even hoping Haidara could make a rapid comeback in Wednesday’s home game with Manchester United.

“It’s his knee,” confirmed Carver, who is hoping to have Rolando Aarons available again within another fortnight. “He’s got an ongoing issue with it, but it’s not too serious, so we will see what he is like. Hopefully, he should be available for Wednesday.”