Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has expressed his desire to finish the season with a few more first-team appearances for Rafael Benitez's side.

The 23-year-old's last start in the Premier League came in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on January 20 and since then he has featured only as a substitute, playing a total of 74 minutes.

Speaking to the club website, Hayden conceded that all he can do is continue to work hard and wait for his chance, while remaining supportive of the team, who have successfully battled against relegation this term.

"The team has been doing really well in 2018 - so I've had to be quite patient," the former Arsenal player said.

"I've had to keep working hard and tried to get as many opportunities as possible but I've still played my part in some matches and hopefully I can add to those 25 appearances before the season is out.

"As a team player, you want the team to do well. Obviously it's detrimental to yourself on a personal level but on a team level, you can't really complain. So it's just about supporting the boys, working as hard as you can in training and pushing the lads who are starting to keep their good form up.

"And if you do get the opportunity to play - whether it be five minutes, 10 minutes, you have to make sure that you help the team in the best way possible, which I've done so far - and long may that continue."

Hayden has been with Newcastle since his move from the Emirates Stadium in July 2016, making 66 appearances thus far for the Tyneside club.