JONAS GUTIERREZ is delighted to have taken another step on his return to Newcastle United's first team during today's 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

Gutierrez was an unused substitute as Papiss Cisse's first-half strike earned the Magpies a hard-earned success over a Villa side who remain in the Premier League's bottom three.

It was the Argentinian's first appearance in a first-team squad since he returned to England last December following his successful treatment for testicular cancer.

He will hope to remain in the squad for Wednesday's home game with Manchester United, and while he would have liked to make it onto the field this afternoon, he is happy to have taken another significant step on his road to recovery.

Gutierrez said: "It was really important to be back. It was the first step so it's good for me.

"I got a very good reception and I have to say thanks to the fans. They gave me support through my illness and since I arrived at Newcastle.

"I always think it is a second chance when I have gone through illness. You start thinking differently about life.

"I enjoy every moment so it is a big step to be back involved in the squad and be involved. To be part of the training and the team makes me really happy at the moment."

Gutierrez's name was greeted with a loud cheer when it was announced prior to kick-off, and the winger was applauded whenever he left the bench to warm up on the touchline.

He was clearly touched by the supporters' response to his return, but was even happier that the afternoon ended in a Newcastle win.  

He said: "It’s a long time since the last time I was involved. I am happy to be back but the most important thing is the three points for the team. That is the most important thing of the day.

"I am here to help the team. The most important thing is to continue with my fitness, and I feel really good. Then you have to get games so I go to enjoy it.

If I get a minute or ten minutes to improve and to be to the best of my level, great. But the most important thing is we win."