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Achraf Lazaar is set to fight for his place at Newcastle United after refusing to give up on his career at St James' Park.

The left-sided player has now played 101 minutes of action this week and provided three assists to help the second string beat Fulham 5-2 and then Notts County 2-1.

Lazaar had an injury hit start to his time at Newcastle before being loaned out to Benevento in Serie A last term.

The Italian league looked set to be his destination again this year before a loan move to Genoa failed on deadline day.

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Siince then Lazaar has been training with the reserves but now wants to prove himself again.

Lazaar played 56 minutes of the win over Notts County at Whitley Park last night with Rafa Benitez watching from the stands.

Many exiled first team players have refused to play reserve football down the years but Lazaar does not want to join them.

He simply said: "A little progress each day adds up to good results."

(Image: Newcastle United)

Speaking after the 2-1 win over Notts County, coach Ben Dawson said: “He’s bubbly, he’s enthusiastic every day but to be fair to him he works hard.

“To be fair to him he works hard, but the lads aren’t frightened to tell him if his levels are just dropping a bit.

“It’s been good and he takes it on the chin.

“You can see when you get the ball into wide areas the quality he puts into the box.

“Hopefully, some of those younger lads, that play in similar position, can learn from him.”