Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has expressed his delight at being included in the squad for the first time since recovering from testicular cancer treatment.

The Argentine, an unused substitute in his side's 1-0 win over Aston Villa, said that he is ready to start fighting for his place in the first team.

"I'm really happy to be back. It was my first time back since my illness," BBC Sport quotes him as saying. "In football you never know what's going to happen. You start to think about life in a different way, things are more important than football.

"The chemotherapy was a big step, a big point in my life and I'm enjoying being back

"I'm strong and fit. After my illness, you need to get games. It's going to be tough. I'm going to fight for my place and when I have the opportunity I'll do my best."

Gutierrez went on to thank football fans for their support during his illness.

"I have to say thanks. The fans give me a lot of power to work through my illness. Not just Newcastle fans, but football fans. They sent me a lot of love and a lot of messages," he added.

Newcastle took maximum points against Villa thanks to a first-half goal from Papiss Cisse.