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Aleksandar Mitrovic says that he simply couldn’t walk away from Newcastle United last summer because he felt “responsible” after relegation.

His feelings are a far cry from the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Gini Wijnaldum and Florian Thauvin, who all made it clear they wanted to jump ship following the drop.

The Serbian international could now be expected to lead the line for the foreseeable future due to the absence of hamstring victim Dwight Gayle.

Mitrovic must wait to see if he gets the nod to start against Bristol City, but with the promotion battle now about to reach fever pitch, the former Anderlecht man has revealed what returning to the Premier League would mean to him personally.

Mitrovic, who endured a tough first season in England, told the Chronicle: “I stayed here because I wanted to get the team back to the Premier League.

“I was part of the team that were relegated and I feel responsible. I want to try to help the team to get back.

“We’re on a good run now, though, and hopefully at the end of the season we’ll be back.”

(Image: Newcastle United)

Mitrovic is actually a boyhood Newcastle fan after falling in love with the Magpies during their Champions League visit to eastern Europe to play Partizan Belgrade back in 2003.

And after coming on as a sub to an excellent ovation against Aston Villa, Mitrovic admitted it gives him a warm feeling to be a Newcastle player.

The striker, still just 22, said: “It means something to me. I could feel that the other night when I ran on as sub.

“The crowd were just amazing, when you play at home it’s something special.”

Although he admitted that he also felt sad for 20-goal top scorer Gayle as he went off after just 33 minutes in his first start since the hamstring injury sustained at Brentford back in January.

Mitrovic summed up the tight bond in the current squad when he said: “It was good for me but it was bad for Dwight. I hope it is nothing too bad.

“He has scored a lot of goals this season so we need him. I hope he will be back.

“He was in my thoughts because he started the game after a few weeks out injured. He started the game but felt his hamstring. I just hope it’s not too bad.”

poll loading With Gayle out, who would you go with on Saturday? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR Mitrovic Perez Murphy Gouffran

Newcastle’s win over Aston Villa kept them at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table with a solid 2-0 win.

Reflecting on the victory, Mitrovic said: “It was a big game for us, but it was tough and in the end a good result.

“We played well, defended well and scored goals at a good time.

“We did everything at the right time.”

Ahead of the Bristol City game this weekend, Mitrovic is looking forward to another bouncing atmosphere at St James’ Park.

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Mitrovic had praise for the Gallowgate Flags campaign and said: “It’s nice to see. Every game they make something different.

“We know they are behind us because we are showing fight. We’re playing to the end and fighting for every ball. That is the right mentality.”

As Newcastle look to complete the league double over a Bristol side they beat 1-0 back in August, Mitrovic reflected: “Every game in the next few weeks is vital.

“We play at home. We’ll try to take three more points and it’s the same in all of our home games.

“We are top and we want to stay there. Bristol will be a threat but we’re a good team in good shape so we’ll try to beat them.”