I’m ready to answer Rafa call - Hayden

ISAAC Hayden insists he will be ready when needed to aid Newcastle United’s relegation fight during the final eight games of the campaign.

The 22-year-old has started just one Premier League match since the turn of the year, with Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame having established themselves as Rafa Benitez’s first-choice midfield pairing in recent months.

But Hayden recognises that injuries, illness or suspension could hit at any time, while the former England Under-21 midfielder’s combative style may be needed in a specific game.

So, after playing the final two periods of Newcastle’s 135-minute friendly against Royal Antwerp in Spain on Sunday, Hayden is adamant he has recovered his full match sharpness and can make an impact in the Premier League when needed.

“It was a chance for the manager to try some different players and different combinations out on the pitch, so it was a good exercise in that regard,” Hayden said of the 1-1 draw.

“The most important thing was that we were able to get minutes under our belts considering we don’t have another game this weekend, and then we have such a big game the following week.

“Anything can happen with injuries, illness and what not, so we all have to be ready if we’re needed – and I’m ready after this run-out.

“It’s been difficult to get in the starting XI as the lads have been doing really well, so I can’t have any complaints at the minute that I haven’t been playing.

“It was just good to get more than 10 or 15 minutes, which is all I’ve been having over the last four or five weeks, so that was nice.”

Hayden has found himself down the midfield pecking order in recent months.

But the Arsenal Academy graduate has not sulked during this frustrating period for him.

“We have some hard work ahead particularly for those of us who haven’t played too much recently, as we don’t want our fitness levels to drop,” he added.

“We’ll work hard and get ready for another huge game against Huddersfield.”