Newcastle United defender Federico Fernandez admits that it is a challenge just to get into the starting eleven.

The Argentine defender had a good start to the saeson, but has missed out on playing in recent weeks.

And he admits competition for places is fierce in defense, with Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles among those vying for a starting berth.

The defender told the Chronicle: "I picked up the injury against Watford and was out for a couple of weeks.

"When I returned to fitness the team was doing very well and started to win games again.

"It was difficult to get back into the team.

"The guys were doing really well though so we need to keep that going.

"All you can do is train well.

"It doesn't mean you are a better player or not. It's about the squad.

"There's good competition here between us especially in defence, there's almost too many!"But for me it is a pleasure to play for this club and be in the Premier League.

"We need to push each other to improve."