Kieran Trippier provided an injury update and an insight into Eddie Howe's impact ahead of Newcastle United's clash with Wolves. The first signing of the Magpies new era made a phenomenal start to life in black-and-white, but was forced to undergo surgery for a foot injury suffered during the victory against Aston Villa in February.
The former Atletico Madrid full-back has continued to travel with the matchday squads despite this setback, with Howe praising his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. Trippier joined his team-mates during the recent warm-weather training camp in Dubai, and is hoping to return to action before the end of the season.
The 31-year-old was once again at St James' Park for the latest clash in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Here is everything Trippier had to say to presenters Jamie Carragher and Kelly Cates ahead of the Magpies' clash with Wolves:
READ MORE: Howe defends Chris Wood after Carragher's question
KC: First of all, we need to ask you about the injury and how the recovery is coming along?
KT: The injury is coming [along] well. I was a bit gutted the way it happened, I started at Newcastle well but these things happen in football.
It's about being positive and helping my team-mates in this tough stage of the season.
KC: You had started so well, it looked like you have settled in perfectly here?
KT: Yeah, I did. Obviously I knew the manager, that helped and I knew all of the staff and a couple of players as well.
I'm 31 now, I think I can settle in anywhere. Everybody has made me feel welcome, it's gutting about the injury but I've got to remain positive.
JC: Kieran, a lot has been made since your injury about how much of a leader you have been, following the team and in the dressing room as well. You mentioned you knew the manager, what has the manager done behind the scenes? He's had a huge impact here.
KT: He's been massive, and I feel like the philosophy that he has brought in, the way he wants to play, the lads have bought into that. I feel like since I've come here, the results have gone well, obviously not the last three games.
But his style of play, the way he wants to play, everybody has bought into that.
JC: You coming here was a big thing for the club. The club that you've come from, Atletico Madrid, we've seen how well they are doing. They have won La Liga as well. What is the bigger picture for Newcastle going forward as a club that really attracted you to come?
KT: I feel like this season is more about staying in the league, of course, and building on that. We don't want to look too far ahead, we want to take it game by game and come the end of the season, we want to still be in the Premier League. We need to build, take it game by game, and season by season.
KC: Kieran, the manager has also talked about your role not just on the pitch, which has been really spectacular in the games you have played, but also as a leader off it in the time you've been injured. How seriously do you take that responsibility?
KT: I do, because I feel I'm at an age now and with the games I've played for club and country, and with the position we're in, I can help my team-mates on and off the pitch. I travel to every game, support them in the dressing room, and especially with my injury, it's about helping the team with the situation that we're in.
The lads know that, and if I can help on the pitch and off the pitch, I'm happy about that.
KC: For you, when you look at the sort of form you were in before the injury, how much is your mind with games coming up in June for England on the World Cup in November?
KT: Yeah, like I said before, I started my career here well. I know I'm going through an injury at the moment, but with the England situation I know I'm up against quality right-backs.
I've got to focus on myself, I've got to focus on my performances, do well for my club and hopefully push myself back into the England setup.
JC: You mentioned the competition there at right-back, I don't think it's ever been stronger in this country. But is it fair to say you are the best right-back in Bury?!
KT: I'll take that because Gary Neville's not here!
JC: At least we've got one right-back from Bury who's decided to turn up tonight! We've got the best one.
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