Vurnon Anita has admitted that he is finding it hard to adapt to English football.
The Dutch international joined Newcastle United from Ajax in the summer.
Anita told Sky Sports News: "It's a tough transition from Holland. English football is quicker, more direct and much more physical than the Dutch league. There is more long ball and fight, so it is different.
"That means I must do extra work to make me stronger because that will help me in games. I am spending a lot of time in the gym after the main training session and sometimes even in the mornings too.
"But my size is not a problem. I am used to always being one of the smallest, so that means I must be a lot smarter than the taller guys."
The 23-year-old midfielder scored his debut goal for the Magpies against Club Brugge in the Europa League last week.
