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Mo Diame has admitted he is yet to live up to the expectations of Rafa Benitez.

The Newcastle United midfielder says that Benitez signed him because he felt he could bring more to the table for the Magpies than he has shown so far.

In a club interview with NUFC TV Diame - who has just returned from international duty with Senegal - said: “When Rafa Benitez called for me, he called me for more than I am giving at the moment.

“As I say, I am still working hard, that’s why I think I am still in the team, but need to give more offensively.”

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Newcastle now have another hectic schedule after the international break and face games with Brentford, Barnsley and Ipswich Town in the next week. Diame, though, said it is part of life as a professional footballer.

After playing his part in a tough encounter with Cape Verde in Dakar, Diame said: “We are professionals, we need to adapt.

“I think we all love playing games, better than training, so happy to play every three days. We rest when we have to rest.”

Diame is yet to score for United since arriving from Hull City this summer.