Jamal Lewis has broken his silence on his Newcastle United nightmare with his wait for a Premier League Toon start currently standing at 16 months.
The Northern Ireland left-back played 90 minutes for his country in the 1-0 loss to Finland at Windsor Park over the weekend. But he is facing an uncertain future as he sits behind Dan Burn and Matt Targett in the queue to play left-back on Tyneside.
Admitting his struggles, with Lewis suffering with groin and hamstring problems topped off with a lack of game-time under Eddie Howe, the 25-year-old said: "100%, there have been dark days
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"I’ve had a tough time over the last couple of years or so just with injuries and health and finally my body’s in a good place. I’m ready to play but unfortunately I’m not getting the game time I would probably like at Newcastle.
"Coming away with my national team is always a pleasure and I’m happy that Michael O'Neill put trust in me even though I haven’t got the minutes in my legs so I’m just happy to get on the pitch.
Lewis says that fans don't always see the psychological struggles that players endure behind the scenes. "Obviously football is all glitz and glamour but it’s the darker side or the psychological side of football that is not talked about as much as it probably should be," he added.
“It’s been difficult going from playing week in, week out at Norwich to not playing and then getting injured and having a tricky injury that I can’t really get on top of, which can play a very negative part in your mental being and everything.
“But to get on top of it, I’m just looking forward now and I’m really optimistic about my future and my career and hopefully everything can go into an upward trajectory."
And when asked his outlook for the remainder of the campaign, Lewis said: "I will just focus game to game. Then, just moving forward, obviously Newcastle are having a great season, whether I’m involved or not, I’m happy to be part of the group.
"The gaffer (Eddie Howe) is doing amazing, the boys are doing amazing, so I’m happy to be part of it and then when the summer comes we’ll assess and see what the best move is for me and the club moving forward."
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