Ghana star Christian Atsu insists he is not worried over a lack of playing time for Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old winger has played just 21 minutes of the Magpies’ Premier League campaign thus far, with manager Rafael Benitez preferring the likes of Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy and Kenedy for the wide attacking positions.
Atsu’s only showing in the English top flight was a cameo appearance off the bench in United’s 2-1 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend.
Despite this, Atsu insists there is a long way to go in the 2018/19 season and he believes his chance to claim a place in the team will come.
“I’m not frustrated because the league just started; we’ve played only three games. So I am keeping my focus and working hard at the training grounds,” he explained.
“I’m very happy we have competition in our team because it makes me work much harder but I believe the coach will give everybody a chance.”
Atsu may get his chance to prove himself tonight when Newcastle take on Nottingham Forest in the League Cup, while the Magpies will also be in action on the weekend when they face champions Manchester City in the Premier League.