Newcastle United midfielder Kevin Nolan has admitted frustration serving his suspension.

Nolan returned to action in Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal, a result which left the Magpies in the relegation zone and two points from safety.

His enforced lay-off left him struggling for match fitness, but he was glad just to be involved once again.

Nolan said: "I have been walking around kicking the cat and headbutting walls.

"It has been frustrating, really, as I'm at a new club.

"If you look at it in a positive way, it's given me time to get to know the lads, the staff and Newcastle as a city a bit more. I have got my house sorted, so I will be settled there in a few weeks.

"But I didn't want to be banned and sitting in the stands. I was just delighted to be back out there.

"At times, I was huffing and puffing, which is always the case when you have missed games.

"You can work as hard as you like in training, but there's nothing that can help you regain match fitness apart from matches.

"You have to be out there, so it was great to get a game under my belt.

"There are a few aches and pains, but for me they are good aches and pains because it means I'm playing again."