Rolando Aarons has set his sights on nailing down a regular spot in the Newcastle United side next season



By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Rolando Aarons has set his sights on nailing down a regular spot in the Newcastle United side this season under "top manager" Rafa Benitez.

Aarons bagged his first goal of the season on the campaign's final day against Tottenham Hotspur in May, as the Magpies racked up a 5-1 win at St. James' Park.

It came in one of only 11 outings in a black and white shirt for Aarons over the course of 2015/16.

And the 20-year-old believes he can learn a lot from Champions League-winning boss Benitez, who he says gave him the "real truth" when it came to discussing why his opportunities had been limited last term.

"He's a top, top manager and obviously you can tell that from the form we hit when he signed," Aarons told nufc.co.uk.

"It took him a few weeks to pick his team and once he did, I think everyone gelled together and we knew what we needed to do. We were just a little too late, but he's a top manager.

"I'm miserable when I'm not playing, and I've spoken to him a few times and he's just given me the real truth. I spoke to him (before the Spurs game) and he told me what he thought and told me what I need to do and why I'm not in the team, and I've listened to him. He's brought me on (against Spurs), he's a top manager and I can learn a lot from him."

Benitez will take the United squad to Ireland for a week-long training camp in July, with a trip to Fulham on Friday, 5th August the first Sky Bet Championship clash of the season.

Aarons says the preparations for the new campaign are vital for him as well as the team, as he looks to make an impression on Benitez and build on his breakthrough over the past few years.

"Hopefully I'll come back and get more of an opportunity next season," he said.

"Every pre-season is a big pre-season, because you've got to show the manager what you can do, and next season is no different.

"Play games, score goals - that's what I love doing, getting assists and scoring goals. That's what I'm about, and what I'd like to build my profile around."