Newcastle United defender Peter Ramage enjoyed a successful playing return in last night's reserve-team draw with Bolton Wanderers.

It was Ramage's first piece of action since he suffered a knee injury almost seven months ago and he told nufc.co.uk: "I am dying to get back to the first team picture - it has been a long seven months.

"It's great to be back and good to play that first game.

"It's been a long time, a frustrating time for me especially the way the season has gone.

"For me personally it was just great to play again and everything was fine.

"All I want to do now is be part of the team that gets out of trouble in the Premier League for Newcastle.

"The aim is to finish on a high.

"And hopefully I can help the team finish well and get out of this situation."