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The teenage defender made his comeback from injury in this week’s Under-21 Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion.

Sterry played 78 minutes of the game, played at the club’s Benton training ground, which ended 1-1.

The 19-year-old – who hopes to earn a professional deal at St James’s Park – has endured a run of injuries since damaging ankle ligaments in the Northumberland Senior Cup final.

“It’s been really tough,” Sterry said.

“I’ve been getting back fit and getting injured again.

“Now I’m back, and hopefully I can kick on.”

Sterry has been plagued by niggles since recovering from the ankle operation he had in May.

Asked about the original injury, he said: “It was in the Senior Cup final – I did my ankle ligaments.

“I was in all summer then came back and played a game and got a little niggles every time. You know it’s going to happen, as the coaches tell you, but it’s tough in your head to keep going.

“I’ve had help from everyone - coaches, physios and family. They’ve been really good.”

Sterry, a tough-tackling right-back, hopes to stay fit and catch the eye of head coach John Carver between now and the end of the season.

“You’ve got to try and impress the gaffer and push on,” said Sterry.

“I just want to get fit and keep playing games.”

Siem de Jong, Gabriel Obertan and Jonas Gutierrez all played against West Brom.

And Sterry enjoyed playing alongside the experienced trio, all on their way back from injury.

“It was great, especially with the experience of Gabby, Siem and Jonas playing,” he said. “It’s good to play with players like that.”

Goalkeeper Jak Alnwick was outstanding, and Sterry added: “Jak was unbelievable in goal, especially with his experience playing a few (first team) games. He really helped us.”