Isaac Hayden has insisted he will be ready when called upon for Newcastle United's run home.

The 22-year-old has started just one Premier League match in 2018, with manager Rafa Benitez preferring the partnership of Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame in his midfield.

But with eight games left to avoid relegation, Hayden remains focused on keeping his fitness high and taking advantage of practice games like Sunday's friendly against Royal Antwerp.

"It was a chance for the manager to try some different players and different combinations out on the pitch, so it was a good exercise in that regard," said Hayden after the 1-1 draw.

"The most important thing was that we were able to get minutes under our belts considering we don't have another game this weekend, and then we have such a big game the following week.

"Anything can happen with injuries, illness and what not, so we all have to be ready if we're needed - and I'm ready after this runout.

"It was a routine game overall though. It was strange waiting to come on knowing you're going to play the full 90 as you don't usually have that as a substitute.

"But the main thing is that you want to get minutes. I don't mind if it was even the last 45 minutes, I just wanted to get some gametime.

"It's been difficult to get in the starting XI as the lads have been doing really well, so I can't have any complaints at the minute that I haven't been playing.

"It was just good to get more than 10 or 15 minutes, which is all I've been having over the last four or five weeks, so that was nice."