MATT RITCHIE accepts his status within the Newcastle United squad has changed, but the versatile wide-man insists he is ready to step into whatever role is required of him.

Ritchie is currently in his seventh season as a Newcastle player, and for the vast majority of that time, he has been an integral part of the Magpies’ first-choice side.

He has found game time much harder to come by in the last couple of years though, and has managed just a solitary substitute appearance in the whole of the current Premier League campaign.

He has been linked with a possible move away from Tyneside next month, but while he accepts his first-team opportunities could remain limited if he opts to stay at St James’ Park, he insists he will continue to do whatever is best for the club.

“I’m ready when called upon,” said Ritchie, who is contracted to the Magpies until the summer of 2023. “I feel like I can bring a lot to the group still. I feel valued within the group, and I’m fit and ready to go if needed.

“I’m well aware that the boys have been flying and times may have changed in terms of what it was for me maybe two years ago at the club. I’m a realist. I understand that my role may have changed within the squad – but I’m all in.”

Ritchie turned 33 in September, meaning he is entering the final few years of his playing career. His versatility and ability to play as a full-back, wing-back or midfielder will mean he will remain a valuable squad member for as long as he can continue to compete at the highest level, but his thoughts are inevitably beginning to turn to what might follow his playing days.

His primary focus remains on his day-to-day training, but he is also beginning to work towards his coaching badges with the help of Newcastle’s current coaching staff.

“I’m currently doing my coaching course and then in January, I start the sporting directors course,” said Ritchie, in an interview with Newcastle’s matchday programme. “I love football – it’s my first love and I’m passionate about it.

“It’s interesting to learn about the other side of it and see the other side of the game and how it all works, and I’m enjoying interacting in conversations about that.

“Who knows what’ll happen in the future, but for the time being, I’m fully focused on being a player and I still feel I’ve got a lot to give.

“Long may that continue, and when the time is right that I do look to go in a different direction, then I can have a few strings to my bow.”