Bentaleb’s goal is to make team for home fixture against Blades

NEWCASTLE United’s on-loan midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is hoping to push for a starting spot for the game with Sheffield United later this month.

The June 21 clash will take place behind closed doors at St James’ Park with the Algeria international admitting he is getting back into the swing of things after three months of lockdown.

Bentaleb netted a scorcher in the 1-1 draw which was played between the squad on Saturday but is now keen for more action.

The Schalke 04 player will be vying for a start alongside fellow schemer Jonjo Shelvey and found himself in the team handed the home kit at the weekend.

Whether that proves to be a clue to head coach

Steve Bruce’s first team selection since the return of football remains to be seen.

Bentaleb said: “No matter how much you run in training you need to gain match fitness and to gain match fitness you need to play, so that is what we did. “We have all been craving Premier League matches and we are now getting close to this.

“We have worked really hard and hopefully we will be ready on the day.” Also on the scoresheet in the practice outing was striker Joelinton who grabbed an equaliser from close range at the Leazes End. Bentaleb, who has been booked four times in his six appearances for Newcastle, added “For a striker, it is always good to score.

“You always want to create opportunities for him and it is great he scored.” Newcastle have a decision to make on Bentaleb with a price of £8.6million on offer for the ex-Spurs man at the end of his current loan deal.