Thursday 28 January 2016 08:40, UK
Andros Townsend is hopeful he can help preserve Newcastle's Premier League status after sealing his move from Tottenham.
The 24-year-old England winger finally arrived at the Magpies on Wednesday after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal for a fee Sky sources understand to be £12m.
The two Premier League clubs agreed the fee on Tuesday after weeks of negotiations that included two rejected offers - one of a loan, the other for £10.5m.
Townsend was desperate for a White Hart Lane exit after falling down the pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino but he told Sky Sports News HQ he was now fired up for the challenges at his new club.
"I'm delighted," Townsend said. "It was a drawn-out process. It's no secret talks had been going for a month. But I'm just delighted to be a Newcastle player and I can't wait to get going.
"Newcastle was the right club for me at this stage of my career. I had a good chat with the manager [Steve McClaren] and he seems to know the way I play inside out.
"Newcastle is a massive club. They may be down the bottom of the table but they are still one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. They have a big stadium, a great fan base and hopefully I can do well."
Under McClaren, Newcastle have won only five league games out of 23 this season and are two points away from safety.
They face a big battle to remain in the top flight and, asked if he can boost the team's cause, Townsend added: "I hope so. I don't think the manager would have brought me here if he didn't think that way.
"Hopefully we can start picking up some wins and climbing the table as soon as possible."
Townsend has played eight games this season, including one match for England - their 3-0 win against Lithuania in the European Qualifiers.
With Euro 2016 just a few months away, Townsend was asked about his prospects of being a regular under Roy Hodgson in the summer.
"I can't think too far ahead," he said. "I want to be playing for Newcastle week in, week out and playing well. I'm sure if I can play well and help Newcastle stay in the Premier League then the personal accolades will come as well."
