After almost one year on the sidelines, Victor Fernández was thrilled to return from a long-term injury during Newcastle United under-23s' pre-season victory at Rotherham United.
The Spanish forward suffered a heel injury in August 2018 before picking up a hip problem which resulted in the 21-year-old missing the rest of the 2018/19 season.
However, Fernández - who joined United's Academy from UE Cornellà in 2017 - played his first 45 minutes in 11 months at Rotherham's Roundwood Sports Complex, with goals from Rosaire Longelo and Oisín McEntee securing the pre-season win in South Yorkshire.
Fernández told nufc.co.uk: "I was pleased with the overall performance today. We are near to the start of the season now and I feel it is good to gain as much confidence as possible from winning games.
"I'm also quite happy personally because I haven't played for nearly a year now. That feels great because last year was terrible for me as I wasn't able to play any games. It was a great feeling to be back on the pitch.
"Gaining a clean sheet and getting into the good habit of not conceding goals so that is good preparation for the season.
United's youngsters begin their Premier League 2 campaign on Monday, 12th August as Neil Redfearn's side travel to Reading for their opening division two clash.
And with a fortnight until the young Magpies' league season commences, the Spaniard is relishing the opportunity of getting back onto the football pitch.
Fernández added: "Last season, I was separated from the team, doing my own work in the gym. At first, I suffered a heel injury and then after a few training sessions I had a hip problem and needed surgery, which kept me out for seven to eight months.
"After a year of being out, it feels great."
"I just need confidence now because it is has been so long since I was on the pitch. It was fantastic being able to do what I love again. I can't wait to get back to playing football properly again."