Newcastle United midfielder Vernon Anita has said that he is enjoying first-team football this season after adjusting to life in the Premier League.

The Dutch international joined the Magpies from Ajax in a deal worth €8.5m (£6.7m) last summer, but started just 17 league games in his first year in England.

However, Anita has begun three of Newcastle's four games so far this season and is aiming to keep Cheick Tiote out of Alan Pardew's reckoning.

"Of course, as a player you always want to play and this year I've played more, so let's keep it this way," the 24-year-old told NUfcTV.

"I had things to learn and I hope to show it this year."

Anita made his international debut as a substitute against Mexico in May 2010 but has since added just two more caps.

Written by
Michael Penkman