Lubomir Satka has said that he wants to stay in the first team at Newcastle United.
The 18-year-old has been compared to Magpies captain Fabriccio Coloccini by Alan Pardew, and has featured in all of the North-East side's pre-season friendlies.
The Slovakian, capped by his country at Under-21 level this summer, says that he wants to remain in first-team contention this season.
He told the Shields Gazette: "Last season was good for me, and this year I have started with the first team.
"I've got to train harder, and hopefully stay involved. We'll see how it goes.
"I'm enjoying being with the first team every day and travelling with them. I'm getting game time as well, so it's good so far."
Satka signed for Newcastle from Dubnica two years ago.