Newcastle defender Sven Botman says he's getting back to his old self.

The Dutchman is returning from a long-term injury.

He told the Saints website: "I'm feeling really good. The last month since I started playing again was just about getting back into a rhythm. It's quite difficult when the team is in the middle of the season and you finally get back to playing again. But I think, slowly, I'm starting to get back to my original self.

"We're in the middle of the season now and we're not at our best position in the table, but I think we can make things right. We still have a lot of games left – we're in the FA Cup and the Premier League, and we have less games than in the first half of the season. I think we can make a good run and get something out of the season. I am positive about it.

"Our main goal is the top four, or course. It has to be the goal. If we finish with a Europa League ticket, that would be good as well. But our main goal is the top four. We still have to believe in this. If we make good runs, everything is possible. I'm certainly positive about that, and believe that we can make this goal."