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Henri Saivet has hit back at any claims that he has lost his appetite for football by declaring he still has dreams of becoming a star with Newcastle United.

The Senegalese midfield man arrived at St James’ Park in 2016 with ambitions to shine on the Premier League stage.

But after quickly finding United embroiled in a relegation battle Saivet lost his place in Steve McClaren’s side after just four games before Rafa Benitez opted against recalling him.

As Newcastle slipped into the Championship, Saivet was sent out on loan to St Etienne but despite playing 38 appearances for the Ligue 1 club he was accused by Christophe Galtier of losing his hunger for the game.

Galtier’s blunt assessment was: “If he did not play in England, now I know why: he is no longer hungry. At all.”

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

However, despite talk of him being sold by Newcastle in the summer, Saivet maintains he wants his move to St James’ Park to be a success.

In his first big interview since returning to the club, Saivet told the Chronicle: “I want to play for Newcastle United.

“Whenever you pull on a Newcastle shirt it’s an honour. It’s a massive club and when you put the jersey on and get on to the pitch, you have to give 100% - even for the reserves. You want to play well every time.”

Saivet, who appeared briefly for the club in pre-season, was back on the field at St James’ Park on Monday night in front of just 721 people but he enjoyed every second of a solid 90 minute run out in which fans were reminded of his midfield capabilities.

He said: “It’s always good to play, make runs and contribute overall. I feel better and better so it was really good for me to get out there.”

Unlike some players at the club Rafa Benitez has never had an issue with Saivet’s attitude or ability – he simply prefers other squad members ahead of him.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

But Saivet found himself named in Newcastle’s 25-man squad this month and is now ready to catch the eye of Benitez.

He said: “I have to show him I can play in his team. I have to play very well in each training session or reserve game.

“He has told me to show what I can do and we need everybody in the squad so I will keep going.

“Maybe one day I will get my chance and show what I can do. I know there will be a chance.

“In football you know you can start a season in the stand or on the bench, but finish it in the team.

“You just never know but I am ready to play at any time. I have to stay fit. I will play for the reserves.

“The season is long and it is about improving as you go along so that’s what I’ll do.”

Saivet’s return to Newcastle last summer resulted in some Toon fans singing the praises of the former Bordeaux star.

After some positive cameos, Saivet was the recipient of some goodwill messages from supporters.

He said: “It always gives you the confidence you need. That is the most important thing in football. If you have confidence you can do whatever you want on the pitch. You have to work and keep going.

“You should never complain about not playing - the most important thing is the squad. We have to win and stay in the Premier League as we’ve just come back.

“It won’t be easy so individuals can’t complain about personal situations. It’s always easier of course when you are fit and can play. You run everywhere and try to do everything.

“Not playing isn’t easy for a footballer. You have to work hard to get back in contention.

“If get my chance I will have to keep my place. I will try my best every time.”

Newcastle go into the weekend’s clash with Liverpool hoping for another win to help them climb the table.

Saivet - who once netted against the Reds for Bordeaux in the Europa League and would love another crack at them - said: “The spirit is very, very good.

“We have to work hard and nobody should complain. Everybody is trying to do their best. The team is going to get better and better and that’s the most important thing for us.”

And Saivet made it clear he was happy on Tyneside and enjoying life at the club.

He said: “It’s a massive club. The city and its people are really nice.

“The weather is different, but the city is really nice no matter what the weather.”