Christian Atsu sets high target at Newcastle

Ghana winger Christian Atsu is expecting a better season in the upcoming campaign after two years with English Premier League side Newcastle United.

The Ghana International had a spectacular first season with the magpies, helping the club return to the top flight but his campaign last season was affected by injuries.

Atsu only spent ten days on holiday before returning to preseason training. The 26-year-old hopes he can become a more consistent performer for Toon this season.

"I'm very happy during preseason because I can feel the work I was doing last season and during the summer paying off now I have joined up with the team," he said.

"I did a lot of work during the summer. I had ten days off and then I came back to work in the gym in Newcastle with one of our physios. I stayed in Newcastle during the off-season.

"I know a lot of players go away during the summer but for me this is my work and it's a big pre-season. I have to be better because I know this will be a big season for me. I need to work to be better than I have been in the two previous seasons I've been with Newcastle. I wanted to make sure I was ready as soon as we came back for pre-season."

The 27 year old is on preseason tour with the Newcastle team in Portugal, and after drawing with Porto, they lost to Braga.

The Magpies will next face Augsburg in their final preseason game before their EPL opener against Tottenham Hotspurs.