Newcastle prospect Matty Longstaff says Aberdeen's long-ball approach didn't suit him, but is now relishing the opportunity to get his season back on track at Mansfield.
The 21-year-old travelled north of the border at the start of the campaign but made just five appearances for the Dons before being recalled by Eddie Howe in December.
Deadline day saw the younger Longstaff brother secure another loan move to League Two outfit Mansfield as he looks to reignite a career that showed plenty of promise two years ago.
Longstaff - who has featured twice for England’s U20 squad - is hoping for a better experience this time around.
“It was an eye-opener (the Aberdeen loan),” he told Mansfield’s club website.
“It was the first time I’d been out on loan.
“(We played) a bit of a long ball kind of game..
“But I think everything happens for a reason and I’m just looking forward to getting going here.
“In Scotland everything was more of a fight, there’s probably not as much quality there as there is in the Premier League.”
The young midfielder is relishing the chance of first-team football and helping Mansfield - who are sixth in League Two - gain promotion.
“I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” Longstaff added.
“I got on the phone with the gaffer, and he said what a great run the club has been on.
“(He said) Hopefully we can get promoted.
“Once he said that I jumped at the opportunity to come here.
“We’ve got a good chance of going up and I think that’s a big thing when you’ve got something to play for late on in the season.”
While older brother Sean is a regular fixture in Eddie Howe’s squad, the path to the starting XI for young Matty has been harder.
He admits to feeling frustrated by a lack of opportunities on Tyneside but is relishing the chance to impress at his new club.
Longstaff added: “In the past year, I haven’t played as much as I would’ve liked but hopefully, I can come here and help the team.
“Hopefully we can get promoted, I think that would be good for the club and the fans.”
Newcastle fans will remember Longstaff best for scoring a superb winner against Man Utd on his Premier League debut in October 2019.
That moment will forever be cherished by the midfielder but he is fully focused on making at impact for the Stags.
“I grew up a Newcastle fan so to get that moment was unbelievable.
“I’ve had great years at Newcastle but I’m looking forward to being here and getting started.
“Hopefully I can add a bit of quality and a bit of energy to help the team.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m happy to do it.”
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