Newcastle United defender Kell Watts admits he is raring to go at Peterborough United after overcoming an untimely knee injury during the early stages of pre-season. The Magpies loanee, 22, has been tipped in many circles to have a bright future on Tyneside but will first try and aid The Posh's promotion push in the third tier this season.
Watts made his first start for the League One outfit in a 3-2 defeat to Exeter City at the weekend, with his side conceding two goals in the closing stages. The defender is now relishing a run in the first-team after returning to full fitness in recent weeks.
"I feel good. I did all my rehab in Newcastle and they sent me down in good shape so I was ready to go," Watts told Chronicle Live. "I've got no problems now and I'm feeling good.
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"Getting my first start the other day was good even though I'm disappointed how it ended. I've played a few cup games before that as well so I'm feeling fully match fit and ready to keep kicking on here.
"It's a league I know very well now. I'm using my experience in the division to help the team and obviously I feel confidence in my own performances as well."
Sections of the St James' Park faithful expected Watts to play some part in Newcastle's first full season under Eddie Howe when the youngster was included on the pre-season trip to Austria back in July. However, picking up a serious knee problem in training meant an early flight home and a subsequent loan spell before the end of the summer window.
Watts insists after getting over the initial disappointment of his diagnosis, he was fully focused on staying positive as he split his time between Newcastle and Peterborough during his rehabilitation.
"Obviously my initial thoughts after my scan results were I was absolutely devastated, like most players when you get a long-term injury," he continued. "But you see the bigger picture, what you've got to play for and how long your career is.
"You've got players missing World Cups because of injury so you get over it pretty quickly. I tried to stay positive, which I did, and get back as quick as I could.
"I got injured quite early into the pre-season but it was great to be with the lads and the staff. There's such a great atmosphere around the place and I imagine it's even better now with how well they're doing this season!"
Howe has got his Newcastle side playing some of the best football seen on Tyneside in many a year, with a real emphasis on team spirit in the Magpies' dressing room. The Toon boss has earned plenty of plaudits from the supporters but is also popular in the eyes of the players, including Watts.
The former Bournemouth boss has turned Newcastle's defence into statistically the best on offer in the Premier League, something which doesn't surprise Watts given what he has seen from the coach during his year at the club. Of course, the addition of summer signing Sven Botman has helped matters too.
"With Eddie you've got someone who wants to improve you and wants to improve your game to make you a better player," the defender added. "Also, being a good person goes a long way. I think that's why a lot of the lads, myself included, really do rate him so highly.
"They're great lads on and off the pitch so I'm not surprised by how well the defence is playing. It's great, as a fan as well, to see the lads doing so well. It's something to be proud of and they're ready to keep it going when the break is over.
"I got injured within a week of pre-season so unfortunately I didn't see loads of Sven training but when I'm watching all the games I've been so impressed. A top, top player who is going to have a great career."
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