JONAS GUTIERREZ knows he has a fight on his hands to claim a regular starting place in Newcastle United’s final ten games, but the midfielder insists his main aim is to enjoy playing again after recovering from testicular cancer.

Gutierrez made his first appearance for the Magpies since October 2013 in last Wednesday’s defeat to Manchester United only four months after he was discharged from hospital.

The Argentine, who accepted a cheque from former team-mate Steve Harper on behalf of testicular cancer charity Ballboys yesterday, is out of contract in the summer but 31-year-old is not thinking too far ahead.

A return to this homeland with Velez Sarsfield is an option despite the fact initial discussions broke down, but staying on Tyneside is still a possibility for Gutierrez.

“Every moment on the pitch is special because a few months ago I didn’t know if I was ever going to get back on the pitch,” he revealed.

“I wanted to play again but you never know what’s coming. Every minute I play I will enjoy it more than ever.

“It’s fantastic to be back and I want more. You always want more and I want to play as much as I can for the rest of the season and I will fight for that.

“It (the reception he received on his return to action) was special but now I know I have to be ready for the next game.

“The first game back was special but now I am in the same position as the rest of the team and I have to fight for my place if I want to play.

“Nobody is going to give you a place just because you have recovered from cancer. You’ve got to be strong and do the best that you can and do the best in every minute that you play.”

Two months after having his left testicle removed in October 2013 Gutierrez returned to Newcastle but he was deemed surplus to requirements and was subsequently loaned out to Norwich City.

The winger, who will be in the squad for Sunday’s game at Everton, admitted he found it difficult to adjust to life away from St James’ Park having signed in 2008, and his time away has made him even more determined to play more between now and the end of the season.

He said: “The last two years were really different.

“I normally play for Newcastle, so it was different. It wasn't hard, it was different.

“I learnt a lot from it. Now I have been given a new life. I enjoy training day by day, and I try to get more time on the pitch between now and the end of the season.

“That is the only thing I worry about at the moment.”