Newcastle United midfielder Vurnon Anita admits he's become a gym junkie since his arrival from Ajax.

The 5ft 5in midfielder knows he needs to build himself up to handle the rigours of the Premier League.

"I have been working a lot in the gym after normal training to build myself up and get stronger," Anita told the Sunday Sun.

"I am doing this so I can play more games for Newcastle and play well in them. I have started doing a lot of running on my own as well because my physical condition needs to improve because I am operating at a higher level now.

"I have settled in a little bit. I say that because on the park I can play better. I am hard on myself. This football in England is very different to what we have in Holland.

"There is a lot more running, which means I have to keep improving myself in training because it's so important to be able to cope with the demands"