Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has given his opinion on why the Championship can be such a tough league to get out of.

Speaking to the ​Shields Gazette , Perez claimed that England's second tier is particularly tough, with players having very limited time on the ball.

“It’s quite different. It’s tougher, harder, for sure," Perez said.

“The team has been doing well. It helps a lot. Physically, it’s stronger and harder, but I’ve been adapting to the league and I’m feeling better.

“You have to find your space, your position, and even when you find it you’ve got players above you."

Ayoze Perez on his Newcastle form, the Championship and his readiness to play up front https://t.co/29GbczCnwS #nufc pic.twitter.com/W2fCOh2GSo — Shields Gazette (@shieldsgazette) January 18, 2017

Despite the physical demands of the league, Perez feels he is standing up to the challenge.

“But as a player you have to deal with it and I always try to do my best. I’m feeling better game by game.”

Newcastle moved back into first place following their 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday. Brighton's defeat to Preston meant the Magpies were able to climb above their title rivals.

“To be honest, I was thinking in the second half when they got the goal that I had to do something to win this game,” the Spanish U21 international claimed.

“We needed it. We knew Brighton was getting beaten, so we knew it was a great chance to be top of the league."

Perez provided the all important cross for Daryl Murphy to score the winner against Brentford at the weekend.

TEAM NEWS: Ayoze Perez starts for Newcastle at Griffin Park.



Full team news: https://t.co/IjW1VcBpoo #NUFC pic.twitter.com/o25UJEAQrL — Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 14, 2017

“Then I didn’t think too much when I got the ball from Jack. I saw Daryl making that run and I just delivered the ball. It was a good goal.”

Newcastle fans will be hoping Perez can help provide more moments of magic this season that could help see the Toon Army return to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

Perez is currently in his third year at St James' Park following his 2014 move from Tenerife. Since then the Spaniard has scored 19 goals in 99 appearances for the Magpies.