Newcastle United boss Steve McLaren has called on the Geordie faithful to stay patient with injury-plagued playmaker Siem De Jong.

The 26-year-old was highly regarded during his time as skipper for Dutch outfit Ajax, but injury has limited him to just one Premier League start for the Magpies since arriving for £6million last summer.

However, McClaren says he is confident De Jong can still make a positive impact on Tyneside.

"He is a player who can make a big difference," McClaren said.

'"He can assist and he can score and that's a big weapon to have. He's going to be a big asset for us.

"I remember when he came here and thinking what a good signing that was.

"He's yet to light the place up, but that's purely because of injuries. He's just building up to get that chance.

"I think Siem has found that year out catching up with him.

"He's going to take a while getting to the right tempo and the right level, but we can see it every day, that he's improving and getting better."