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Jamie Sterry is hoping to use Newcastle United’s season in the Sky Bet Championship to prove his worth to the Magpies.

The passionate 20-year-old Geordie impressed Rafa Benitez enough to earn his debut last season when coming on as sub in the 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

But Sterry says that experience has only given him a hunger for more first team opportunities and with a summer of transfer activity to come at St James’ Park that will include some departures, the defender is ready to seize his chance.

Newcastle are desperate for some new blood in the first team ranks and with Benitez eager to give the club’s youth products a chance on the big stage, Sterry knows this is a real opportunity.

Sterry told the Chronicle: “I will be staying and want to be part of it.

“I asked to go on loan five or six times last season but they wanted me to stay.

“They wanted me to get experience with the first team and now I have had the chance to make my debut.

“Next year I can get a few starts and show what I am made of.”

One of the first things Benitez did at Newcastle’s Benton HQ was to send the Under-21 squad back to the club’s Academy where they will now report for work each day on a permanent basis.

The Spaniard felt that too many young players in the first team building were harming the focus of first team players.

But Sterry was one of a handful that remained at the senior end of the training ground and after being involved in a number of first team squads last season he was finally handed his debut on the final day of the season.

(Image: 2015 Newcastle United)

He reflected: “I have been up with the first team for a while.

“I have been in and around it for two years.

“Last season was good for me to learn especially with Rafa Benitez.

“He is one of the best managers in the world and everybody knows that.

“We showed in some games last season how good we could be, the Spurs game especially, and how much quality we have.”

Newcastle will kick off the new campaign with a trip to Fulham on August 5 but Sterry could get a chance to catch the eye in Newcastle’s clutch of friendly games.

And he has indicated there’s been plenty of indication from the backroom staff he has a decent chance of fulfilling his dreams.

The Academy product said: “I had been training really well and wanted to show people I was good enough.

“The manager realised that I could play.

“It was a good feeling to know I could be part of it if I work hard.

“It’s always in your head about making your debut and finally, I have got that.

“The new season is a chance to kick on.

“It was an incredible feeling to make my debut and it gives you a taste for more.”