Mehdi Abeid is happy he chose to stay with Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old scored seven goals in 28 games for Panathinaikos last season, a spell that gave him a second chance at St James' Park when it had appeared as if he was set for the exit door.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I never lost the confidence I could play for Newcastle, but I didn't know what was going to happen with the club. I'm glad that I stayed and have played many games for Newcastle, because I like this club.

"In Greece, I played behind the strikers, but here I'm playing more defensively. I like both roles, so wherever the coach wants to play me, I will do my best.

"Of course. I like to attack, and I like to defend as well, so I would say my preference is centre mid.

"I played many games in Greece, so I gained confidence in myself and I got some experience as well. I played about 40 games, so I came back a different player."