FANS' favourite Lee Clark is relishing his second lease of life at St James' Park, but the Newcastle midfielder has admitted his emotional return to Tyneside has been a bittersweet experience.

The 32-year-old ended an eight-year exile when he came off the bench during last weekend's goalless draw with West Ham, and followed that outing with another substitute appearance in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Bolton.

Clark, who made 230 appearances during his first spell in black and white, was primarily recruited for his coaching potential when he re-signed for the club at the start of the month.

But, just three games into the season, he already finds himself offering vital cover to Newcastle's first-choice midfielders.

The situation has been something of a dream come true for a player who has never lost his love of the Magpies despite lengthy spells at both Sunderland and Fulham.

Yet, with his return co-inciding with the club's shocking start to the season, much of his enjoyment has been severely curtailed.

"I have got mixed feelings about it all," said Clark, who is in contention for another substitute spot against Manchester United tomorrow, some nine years after he was a late replacement during Newcastle's legendary 5-0 win over the same opponents.

"I'm delighted to be back and I'm delighted to be involved with the team again.

"But the results are the most important thing and that's been the downside to it all. A lot of the excitement has been tinged with quite a bit of disappointment because of the results."

Clark's career looked to be in limbo when he was released by Fulham earlier this summer but, sensing benefits in both the long and short term, Graeme Souness offered him a lifeline

The Walker-born midfielder always hoped his second spell on Tyneside would involve some playing duties, but even he has been surprised by the speed of his elevation to the senior squad.

"Playing for the first team has been the biggest surprise of all," he admitted. "I didn't expect any of this.

"When I came in, it was mentioned that I would be registered as a player and, if the situation arose with injuries or suspensions, there could be a possibility of me playing.

"That's the way it's worked out. Kieron (Dyer) picked up his injury and then Emre got a knock as well. With the size of the squad being the way it is, the manager thought calling me up was the right thing to do."

Both Dyer and Emre are expected to be available for tomorrow's game and, despite failing to find the target in any of their opening three matches, Clark is confident Newcastle will show a marked improvement against a rampant Red Devils.

"You've got two teams who like to play open, attacking football," he said. "There generally tends to be goals when they come together.

"We know they've got a fantastic team and a fantastic squad of players. It's going to be tough, but hopefully this is the game that'll turn our season around."