CALLUM WILSON claims his willingness to put his body on the line for Newcastle United has been a major contributory factor to his injury-hit campaign.

Wilson ended his latest injury absence on Saturday when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 4-4 draw with Luton Town, having missed the previous five matches because of a calf issue.

The 31-year-old has also suffered from hamstring problems this term, but with his fellow forward, Alexander Isak, also having been sidelined by a succession of injury issues, he has generally had to play whenever fit.

Given the intensity of Newcastle’s playing schedule, particularly in the first half of the season, that has almost certainly resulted in more injuries occurring.

“I had a calf injury,” explained Wilson. “I was out with a hamstring, then I came back into a storm of games and picked up a calf injury. You end up playing four or five 90 minutes in under two weeks, but it’s no one’s fault.

“It was the circumstances, I believe. If asked again, would I put myself forward to play every game? Sometimes, that might be to the detriment of myself, but I would not change anything.”

Just as Wilson finds himself back to full fitness, so Isak is missing again after suffering a groin injury in last week’s win at Aston Villa.

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The strikers have been like ships passing in the night for much of this season, which has been a source of frustration for both players.

“I was out for a while, and worked hard in rehab to a good level, but the way it’s worked out is that Alex is injured again. I’m coming back, and we haven’t crossed paths all season which is frustrating because it’s nice to have that competition to push each other, and also that rotation.

“We’ve been yo-yoing all season in different positions. It’s frustrating for us and everyone, no more so than the manager. You want a fit squad, and we have a really good team and options, but not this season.”

Now he is back in the side, Wilson is determined to do all he can to help Newcastle qualify for Europe again this season. Further down the line, Gareth Southgate will be settling on his squad for the Euros, and having played for England at the last World Cup, Wilson would love to be involved in another major tournament.

“There are internationals in March, and you want to get back in for that, get yourself into the team, and start scoring goals,” he said. “But there is no pressure on myself – I am relaxed and laidback.

“What is meant to be is meant to be as long as I am scoring here, but I have the Euros dates marked out. It’s a long way off, and there are games to play and goals to score before then. I take it step by step, so I’ll look forward to Forest (on Saturday) and try to get on the scoresheet again.”