SIEM DE JONG has revealed his career at Newcastle United 'sucks' after a difficult spell on Tyneside.
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| Former Ajax Siem Dong has not quite had the Newcastle career he was hoping for |
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has played just 22 matches since his £6million pound move from Ajax in the summer of 2014.
De Jong was captain of the Dutch giants before his switch to the Premier League but his career in England has been dogged by injury.
He missed most of last season with a thigh problem and then a collapsed lung he suffered last February.
Steve McClaren had brought De Jong into the first-team picture this campaign but the Magpies have struggled desperately with the former England boss at the helm.
They're locked in a relegation dog fight and three consecutive defeats over the Christmas period leaves them in 18th place in the Premier League table.
De Jong was dropped after an awful miss in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on December 19 and he's not started since.
Newcastle were leading basement dwellers Villa 1-0 when De Jong missed a free header with the goal at his mercy.
Within minutes Villa had equalised thanks to a stunning strike from Jordan Ayew and the Dutch playmaker was substituted by McClaren shortly afterwards.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, De Jong said: “It sucks, especially because I need the minutes to get into a rhythm and get used to the physical games in the Premier League.
“It feels a bit like my first years at Ajax. Sometimes you play, then you come on as substitute or you are not part of the squad.
“There is also the feeling that you have to prove yourself. There is a new coach this season, not the one who bought me. There were also new signings. No, it isn’t the easiest situation.”
Newcastle travel to Watford in the FA Cup 3rd round on Saturday and De Jong could potentially be handed another opportunity by McClaren, before the Toon Army face two crucial Premier League fixtures at home to Manchester United and West Ham.
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