SEAN Longstaff has admitted he is in the best shape he's been in for quite some time following a full recovery from his knee injury.

The 23-year-old's breakthrough season at Newcastle United in 2019 was curtailed by a long-term knee injury which kept him out for a number of months.

While Longstaff has plenty of experience under his belt for a 23-year-old, he still hasn't quite forced his way into Steve Bruce's starting eleven on a regular basis. 

The midfielder has been in pre-season training and admits he's ready to kick on with the season beginning in just over two weeks time. 

“It’s probably the first time (I've felt good) since my injury which is behind us now but I thought I finished last season really well" Longstaff said.

“Then I’ve sort of carried that on into pre-season. Obviously had a really god off season with James Allen one of the fitness people here, he’s been great for me working on my strength and feeling really good. Just being able to do exercises that I haven’t been able to do since before I’ve done my knee.

“I remember doing a split squat and I walked out the gym absolutely buzzing. I had tears in my eyes thinking I haven’t been able to do that in so so long.

“I just feel really good, I’m really excited. Obviously I’ve got to translate that from the gym, in training onto the pitch.

“It’s obviously up to me now to turn a positive off season into a really good season this year and who knows what can happen."

Newcastle are lacking in squad depth and are actively pursuing the market for new signings and the midfield area is an area of concern for Newcastle United.

Arsenal's Joe Willock remains a top priority for Bruce but the club are getting increasingly impatient with Arsenal's stance on the youngster while the club look like they've fallen short in their chase for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who's set to sign for Crystal Palace on a season-long loan. 

The Magpies are yet to bring in any new signings ahead of the season opening game against West Ham United at St James' Park.