Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is delighted with Emre's application and is convinced the Turk can be a big player for the Toon.

"We need to get him fit, and get him stronger and quicker," Allardyce told the Shields Gazette. "We need to get his aerobic capacity to a higher level than ever before, and that will allow this guy to produce the skill that he's got.

"The more stamina he has, the more skill he shows. He'll get on the ball more and more to show the skills that's he's got."

Allardyce added: "Emre's knuckled down exceptionally well over the last two or three weeks.

"He had a really good game for the reserves, and came off the bench (against Everton) and made a huge contribution, so that's him now pushing for a first-team place."