Dyer: I was suicidal

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has revealed the extent of his depression.

The England international is finally on the comeback trail after being plagued by injury and illness, but has confessed that his latest setback was almost too much for him to cope with.

"I had been suicidal after the West Brom game in October when I broke down again. I was at an all-time low," he told local radio station Magic 1152.

"That is when the physios, the manager and my family stepped in and kept supporting me, which has got me through. They have been magnificent."

Dyer has been sidelined with a hamstring problem, while also receiving treatment for a mystery illness which has contributed to his lack of fitness.

"I hope to be back sooner rather than later. The team have been struggling and I know I can help when I'm fit," he said.

"I have obviously had a medical problem that the fans didn't know about.

"They just kept seeing me break and they are frustrated by it, but they didn't know the full story.

"Now they do. It was a blessing that the club issued a statement so that everyone now has an explanation to why I kept breaking down. It has taken the pressure off."

No date has yet been set for the 26-year-old's return, with doctors at the British Olympic Medical Centre still trying to help him overcome his problems.