‘I’m Spurred on to face my old club’
OPENING-DAY TEST FITS THE BILL FOR YEDLIN AS HE PREPARES FOR TOP FLIGHT
DEANDRE Yedlin says Newcastle United could not have asked for a more exciting start to the season than a clash with his old club Tottenham Hotspur.
The USA international left Spurs 12 months ago to join Rafa Benitez’s side and is on course to feature in the starting line-up at St James’ Park for the televised opener on August 13.
Yedlin is in great shape after spending the summer training in the US and then opting out of the Gold Cup to ensure he was in tip-top shape for the Magpies.
He said: “We’re ready and we’re excited for the start of the season.
“It’s always a challenge, but even the Championship was a challenge – that’s just English football I guess. But we’re ready.
“We’ve had a good summer break and everybody is now ready to go.”
Yedlin now can’t wait to face Spurs and admits the game will be a special occasion for him personally.
He said: “It’s special for me. I made some very good friends at Tottenham so it will be nice to see them again. It will be a packed house, and to be full again just shows the loyalty of the fans. “It’s a great fan group and they deserve success.” Yedlin is raring to go after a summer working with a top conditioning coach and NFL stars Odell Beckham Jr of the New York Giants and Reggie Bush. The American kept fans up to date via his social media account in which he underlined his obsession of looking to improve. He said: “There were a couple of days (off ) but I’m a professional footballer and I have to look after myself. “I got to do what I’ve got to do in the time that I have. “My friend in LA knew this trainer. And he trains people in the off season. I went with him a couple of years ago. “I hooked up with him again and it just so happened that Odell and Reggie were training so it was pretty cool.” Yedlin has a good feeling about the season ahead and while there is added competition at right-back after the arrival of Javier Manquillo, he feels it is only healthy for the squad to see new faces. He said: “It’s a continuation of last year in terms of togetherness. “As far as that is concerned it’s the best togetherness I’ve had at a team. “Whoever is new that comes in we welcome them and they’ll be part of the group as well. “It’s been an interesting off season. “I had World Cup qualifiers right in the middle and it’s been interesting trying to balance my time. But I think I have managed well. Now it’s good to be back.”