Former Sunderland midfielder returns for Newcastle United after transfer decision & three months out

Newcastle United midfielder Jay Turner-Cooke is “buzzing” to be back playing after nearly three months out with a hernia injury.

The former Sunderland youngster spent the first-half of the season on loan at Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone but made just six appearances, his last being a 3-1 defeat at Celtic on December 3.

With 20-year-old carrying an injury and struggling for game time, the Magpies opted to recall him in January. And earlier this month, Turner-Cooke returned to action for the under-21s.

“I was buzzing to be playing again,” he told newcastleunited.com. “It's been a tough few months out injured, which I had been carrying for a while when I was at St Johnstone. 

"To be back on the pitch with a smile on my face was all I've needed for the last few months and hopefully I can get a good amount of minutes from now until the end of the season.

"I had some experience last season at Tranmere that I could use positively, which I thought I did, but it's always tough moving away from home and your friends and family but I thought I dealt with it quite well and I have more experience of learning when I was up there.

"It can only help to make me a better player and season for the future. I'm really determined to get back to full fitness, playing like I was prior to the injury. Hopefully, I can do that and end the season on a positive note."

Turner-Cooke featured for Eddie Howe's first-team in pre-season with cameo appearances against Gateshead - where he scored in a 3-2 win - Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fiorentina and Villarreal.

Prior to that, Turner-Cooke made 12 appearances on loan at League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers.