Newcastle United attacking midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has admitted that he has had a frustrating time watching his teammates from the sidelines, wishing that he could play.

The Magpies have lost their last six Premier League games, and Ben Arfa said that he is fit and ready to play for when manager Alan Pardew calls on him.

"I feel sad and frustrated, but not angry," Ben Arfa told The Independent. "I want to help my team and I can't. It hurts a lot. I want to take the ball and give the maximum for the team. When I see we are losing games 3-0 or 4-0, it is very hard for me and I'm on the bench. If I was involved on Saturday, I think I could make a difference. I would like to try.

"On the pitch I think I can offer my flair, my creativity offensively. I take initiative positively and I try every time to do something. I think I can give a lot for the club. I just want to play. I'm fit. I'm not injured. I'm ready to play."

The Magpies are currently ninth in the Premier League.